Medication fact sheet for oral surgery

When to take your medications prescribed by Dr Priestland………

Begin taking antibiotics (Keflex or Amoxicillin) and anti-inflammatory drugs (if prescribed – Naproxen) the night before surgery and continue to take them every 8 hours. If you are having intravenous sedation for your surgery you should still take your tablets on the morning of surgery as early as possible with only a very small amount of water. Remember sedation requires fasting (nil by mouth) for 4 hours before the procedure and only sip water up to 2 hours before surgery then NOTHING, not even water for the last 2 hours. All patients should bring their pain control medication to the appointment so that they can take these before they leave while still numb.

As a general rule after surgery you may be given ………

1. Antibiotics may in some cases be prescribed to resolve an associated infection (Keflex or Amoxicillin 500mg tablet/capsule taken every 8 hours total 20 tablets and/or Metronidazole 400mg tds 21 tablets).
2. Anti-inflammatory drug (Naproxen 500mg tablet/capsule taken every 8 hours for 5-7 days ALWAYS TAKE WITH OR AFTER FOOD OR MILK). If you still have swelling or pain continue taking Naproxen until the swelling or pain has resolved. You will have 50 tablets in case you need to take them for longer.
3. Pain control tablets

Mild to moderate pain- take TWO tablets of Panadol (Paracetamol 500mg each tablet) every 6 hours until the pain is less intense. Start taking these tablets immediately after surgery is complete while you are still numb. This means the medication will be working when the numbing injections start to wear off.

Moderate to severe pain- take TWO combination Panadeine Forte (Paracetamol 500mg/Codeine 30mg tablets) every 6 hours until the pain is less intense.

If more severe pain is anticipated, you may be asked to see your GP to request Endone (Oxycodone 5mg tablets) to take in addition to Naproxen and Paracetamol tablets. NEVER take Endone with Panadeine Forte.

NOTE: You must not exceed the directed dose of Endone 5mg every 4-6 hours for severe pain, and stop using them as soon as you feel the intensity of the pain has reduced to a tolerable level. Then take only the Naproxen and Paracetamol or Panadeine Forte.

Notes on your drugs and side effects you might suffer………

All drugs can cause some side effects however they do not do so in all patients.

Antibiotics can cause gastrointestinal symptoms of nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. If symptoms are mild, finish the course but if more severe ring the practice.

Anti-inflammatory drugs can upset the stomach causing stomach cramps, indigestion, heartburn and acid reflux. Any patient who suffers acid reflux must inform Dr Priestland as they may not be suitable to take anti-inflammatory drugs. If these gastric symptoms occur when taking Naproxen, stop taking that drug and inform the practice team. Some but not all asthmatics may experience intense asthma if they take anti-inflammatory drugs. If you are one of these patients inform Dr Priestland and do not take anti-inflammatories. If you are not able to take anti-inflammatory drugs you may therefore experience a greater degree of post-operative swelling and hence it will be even more important to use ice packs on the face as explained in your post-operative instructions.

Pain control medication: Paracetamol 500mg per tablet, dose 2 tablets every 6 hours is safe taken at this directed dose but taken in higher doses can cause liver damage.

Panadeine Forte containing Codeine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, constipation.

Endone (Oxycodone) is available through your GP but like any strong pain medication you must not drive, use machinery, make legal decisions or sign legally binding documents or use social media as they can cause side effects including drowsiness, disorientation, dizziness and poor decision-making. They can also cause nausea, vomiting and constipation.

NEVER take Endone (Oxycodone) with Panadeine Forte as they cause breathing difficulty.

ONLY use Endone (Oxycodone) for the shortest period of time possible as they may lead to drug dependency as they are addictive if taken regularly.

WARNING:  If you work in an occupation involving industrial Health and Safety regulations (eg. Mine sites), you should not be taking pain control medications containing Oxycodone or Codeine.  If you are subject to drug testing you may need a letter from Dr Priestland, please speak to the reception staff who will arrange this.

Contact the friendly team at NQ Surgical Dentistry today on (07) 4725 1656 or call in to see us at 183 Kings Rd, Pimlico QLD 4812