Pain relief after your surgery

After most operations, simple pain relief that you can buy without a prescription is all that is needed. For most adults, paracetamol and ibuprofen, taken together, control pain well. In some situations a stronger medication is prescribed for short-term use. This page explains how these medicines are usually taken and when to ask for help.

The information below is a general guide for healthy adults. Always follow the specific instructions given to you by your surgeon, the hospital and the medication packaging, as these take priority over the general advice here.

Paracetamol

Paracetamol is the foundation of pain relief after surgery. It is suitable for almost everyone and is gentle on the stomach.

How to take it

The usual adult dose is 1 gram (1000 mg, usually two 500 mg tablets) every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
Do not take more than 4 grams (4000 mg) in any 24-hour period.
Take it regularly rather than waiting for the pain to build up, unless you have been told otherwise.

Safety warning: Avoid taking too much paracetamol by accident

Many cold, flu and combination painkiller products already contain paracetamol (for example Panadeine and many over-the-counter tablets). Check the label of any other medicine and include it in your daily total so you do not exceed 4 grams in 24 hours.

Ibuprofen (an anti-inflammatory)

Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory medicine (an NSAID). It works in a different way to paracetamol and can be taken alongside it for added relief.

How to take it

The usual adult dose is 200 to 400 mg every 6 to 8 hours with food.
Do not take more than 1200 mg in 24 hours unless your doctor has told you to.
Always take ibuprofen with food or just after eating to protect your stomach.

Safety warning: Ibuprofen is not suitable for everyone

Do not take ibuprofen, and check with your pharmacist or doctor first, if any of the following apply to you:

You have a history of stomach ulcers, reflux or bleeding in the stomach.
You have kidney problems, or certain heart conditions.
You have asthma that is made worse by anti-inflammatory medicines.
You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
You take blood-thinning medication.

Taking paracetamol and ibuprofen together

For most adults, taking both medicines gives better pain relief than either one alone. They can be taken at the same time, or spaced apart through the day, while staying within the maximum daily dose for each. Keep paracetamol going as your steady base, and add ibuprofen if it is suitable for you.

If you need something stronger

Sometimes a stronger painkiller is prescribed, usually after a more involved operation or if your pain is not settling with paracetamol and ibuprofen alone. These medications are intended for short-term use only, often just the first few days, while the pain is at its peak.

If you have been prescribed a stronger painkiller

Use the smallest amount that keeps your pain manageable, and stop as soon as paracetamol and ibuprofen are enough.
These medicines can make you drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery while taking them.
Do not drink alcohol while taking them.
They commonly cause constipation and can cause nausea. Drink plenty of water and stay active where you can.
Some contain paracetamol already, so do not take additional paracetamol on top without checking the label.
Return any leftover tablets to a pharmacy for safe disposal once you no longer need them.

Important safety points

Never exceed the maximum daily dose of any medicine.
Check the label of every other medicine you take for paracetamol or ibuprofen, so you do not double up.
Tell us about your other medicines, allergies and medical conditions before surgery.
Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

When to seek help

Your pain is not controlled even though you are taking your medication as directed.
Increasing redness, swelling, warmth, discharge or a fever, which may suggest infection.
A reaction to a medication, such as a rash, ongoing nausea or vomiting.
Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or lips, or difficulty breathing. This is an emergency. Call 000 immediately.

Contact us

During business hours, please contact our rooms by preference on 03 9427 9596.
After hours, if your pain is not suitably managed, please contact Dr Tomlinson on the emergency mobile number. This number is on the sheet provided in your postoperative envelope.
In a medical emergency, such as a severe allergic reaction or difficulty breathing, call 000 immediately.

This page provides general information and is not a substitute for advice tailored to you. Doses listed are a general guide for healthy adults and may not be right for your situation. Always follow the instructions given by your surgeon and pharmacist and the directions on the medication packaging.