Surgical Medication Instructions

Please do not take aspirin for three days before surgery. Aspirin increases bleeding and should be avoided. Please let us know if you use aspirin regularly so we can substitute another appropriate medication for you.

You have been given prescriptions for the medications checked below. Please follow the directions closely. If you have any questions, feel free to call our office.

Antibiotics are a group of medications used to control and prevent infections. Below is a list of those commonly prescribed. Please follow the directions for each drug in order to achieve optimum results. If your stomach becomes upset, be sure to take the medication with food. Start your antibiotics the day of surgery and continue until all the pills are gone, unless directed differently by your doctor.

• Amoxicillin (500mg): Take one (1), three times a day. A good schedule is 7 a.m., 3 p.m. and 11 p.m.

 • Doxycycline (100mg): Take one (1), two times a day the first day, morning and night. Then one tablet a day until gone. This drug has been shown to increase your susceptibility to sunlight and you may burn easily. Therefore, avoid direct sunlight or use extra sunscreen.

 • Keflex (500mg): Take one (1), three times a day. A good schedule is 7 a.m., 3 p.m. and 11 p.m.

 • E.E.S. (400mg): Take one (1), three times a day. A good schedule is 7 a.m., 3 p.m. and 11 p.m.

These medications help to control both pain and swelling. You should take these pills after meals, as they have been shown to cause stomach upset in some individuals. Do not take these drugs if you are allergic to aspirin. Start the medication before your appointment, either the night before or the morning of your surgery. These medications should be continued as long as you have pain and/or discomfort. If you run out, please call for a refill if one is not already available. These medications can be supplemented with Tylenol (regular or extra strength) two (2) tablets every three or four hours.

• Ibuprofen (600mg): Take one (1) tablet an hour before surgery, then one (1) every eight hours as needed for pain. 

Narcotics can be used after your appointment as needed for comfort. Do not drive a car while taking these medications since they do make some people drowsy. Do not drink alcohol while taking narcotics. These narcotic medications can be taken along with the anti-inflammatory pain pills and should only be used if the pills are not keeping you comfortable or if you cannot take the anti-inflammatory pills.

 • Percocet  Take one (1) tablet every three to four hours as needed for pain.

 • Darvocet  Take one (1) tablet every four to six hours as needed for pain.

 • Vicodan Take one (1) or two (2) tablets every three to four hours as needed for pain.

Sedative medications are utilized to make you comfortable on the day of your appointment. Do not drive and have a ride to and from the office. Be sure to take these medications on a full stomach. Take as directed on envelope.