What are over-the-counter pain medications?
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications are pills that can be purchased without a prescription. There are a number of brands available. Examples include ibuprofen (Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol). As ibuprofen and acetaminophen work via different pathways, they can be used together for improved pain control.
What side effects might be expected?
Most drugs have many possible side-effects. The major concern with acetaminophen is liver damage especially seen in patients with known liver disease. The major concern with ibuprofen is kidney damage in patients with known kidney disorders. Also, ibuprofen may irritate the stomach and increase the risk of stomach ulcers. This is especially seen in patients over the age of 65, history of stomach ulcers, or taking medications such as aspirin, steroids, or warfarin (Coumadin). Ibuprofen thins the blood and, therefore, may increase the tendency to bleed by slowing the ability of the blood to clot. The risk of stomach problems with ibuprofen may be reduced by using Zantac or Pepcid, which are available over-the-counter.
How can OTC pain medications be optimally used to control post-operative pain?
Because pain from surgery is short-lived, drug dependence is not a significant issue. The best strategy is to stay ahead of severe pain rather than trying to catch up due a lapse in medication. The optimal use of OTC medication may reduce the need for prescription narcotic pain medication. Prescription narcotic pain medications have side-effects such as sedation, constipation, nausea, and vomiting. With the proper use of OTC pain medications, the need for narcotics can be minimized.
As most narcotic pain medication is combined with acetaminophen, the dosage of OTC acetaminophen (Tylenol) must be decreased so as to avoid exceeding the maximal daily dosage (3,000mg per day).
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Maximal Use of OTC Pain Medication for Pain Control after Surgery |
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| Dosing Schedule: | 8AM | 2PM | 8PM | 2AM | Daily Maximum |
| Ipubrofen | 800mg | 800mg | 800mg | 800mg | 3200mg |
| Dosing Schedule: | 11AM | 5PM | 11PM | Daily Maximum | |
| Tylenol Extra-Strength | 1000mg | 1000mg | 1000mg | 3,000mg | |
| Note: This schedule may need to be altered if you have kidney or liver disease. | |||||
| This schedule is designed not to exceed maximum dosages of these medications. | |||||
| Decrease the dosage as the pain improves after surgery. | |||||
| Do not take additional medications that contain ibuprofen or acetaminophen without | |||||
| adjusting the OTC medication dosage so as not to exceed the maximal daily dosages. | |||||
| Consult with your doctor prior to using this medication schedule. | |||||
For a telemedicine consultation with Dr Pautler, please send email request to spautler@rvaf.com. We accept Medicare and most insurances in Florida. Please include contact information (including phone number) in the email. We are unable to provide consultation for those living outside the state of Florida with the exception of limited one-time consultations with residents of the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Minnesota, and Washington.