Instructions for Postoperative Medications

Dr. Kim has prescribed medications that are generally well tolerated, but, as with any medication, there is always the risk of allergic reactions and/or side effects such as nausea and vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea, or constipation. If you feel you are having an allergic reaction (i.e. itching, swelling, blotchy skin, etc.) or vomiting, stop taking the medication and call Dr. Kim. Some severe allergic reactions can cause shortness of breath and/or difficult breathing or swallowing. For severe allergic reactions, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. 

It is always a good idea to have over-the-counter Benadryl available at home in case of an allergic reaction, especially if you are taking these medications for the first time. When taking Benadryl, follow the manufacturer’s dosage instructions. 

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE 
Ice the area 30 minutes on 30 minutes off for the first 24 hours. 

After biting firmly on gauze for one hour, remove gauze and have something cold and bland to eat (i.e. yogurt, pudding, jello, ice cream) before starting your medications. 

REMOVE GAUZE AND EAT
TAKE ANTINAUSEA MEDICATION (if prescribed) 30 minutes before pain medication

TAKE IBUPROFEN (if prescribed) Only one tablet every six hours

TAKE PAIN MEDICATION AS PRESCRIBED

BEGIN TAKING ANTIBIOTICS (if prescribed) AS SOON AS YOU ARE ABLE WITH FOOD

DEXAMETHASONE STEROID (if prescribed) One tablet 4-6 hours after the procedure and then one every morning for the next 4 days

BEGIN USING CHLORHEXIDINE RINSE (if prescribed) the day following surgery after breakfast and dinner for only two weeks.

It is always a good idea to stagger your medications. Taking too many pills at once can cause an upset stomach. If you are still unsure about how to take your medications, please refer to your prescription bottle for specific instructions, or call us any time. Our goal is for you to have a smooth and comfortable recovery. Please call us if you have questions or concerns. 

ANTI-NAUSEA MEDICATIONS:
If Dr. Kim has ordered a medication to help prevent nausea, please take one tablet ½ hour prior to taking your pain medication. This will help prevent nausea, and will also increase the effectiveness of your pain medication.
If you experience nausea and/or vomiting, please take your nausea medication and call Dr. Kim so that he can help to determine the cause.

PAIN MEDICATIONS:
Your local anesthetic will normally last from 2-4 hours. At times, Dr. Kim will use a long-acting anesthetic that may last 6-10 hours. This allows you enough time to fill your prescriptions and have something to eat prior to taking your pain medication. Pain medication may cause nausea and vomiting if taken on an empty stomach. Do not wait too long to take your pain medication. It is best to take your pain medication before the numbness wears off. If you feel tingling in your lip, this usually means your local anesthetic is wearing off. This is a good time to be sure you have taken your pain medication.

ANTIBIOTICS:
Dr. Kim will prescribe antibiotics either to treat an active infection or to help prevent postoperative infections. Please start the antibiotics after your procedure as soon as you feel you are able unless otherwise instructed. It is important to take the antibiotics until they are gone. However, if you have any allergic reaction or experience unusual side effects, please call Dr. Kim. In most instances, because they are being used preventatively, he will discontinue the antibiotics. However, if you are taking the antibiotics for an active infection, please call Dr. Kim so that he may change your prescription.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES:
Dr. Kim may prescribe Ibuprofen and/or Dexamethasone to help prevent postoperative swelling, thereby decreasing postoperative discomfort. If prescribed, please take Ibuprofen only as directed and begin the Dexamethasone 4-6 hours following the procedure.

Office: (360)424-7057
After hours cell phone number for Dr. Kim: 513-802-2799
If you suspect a problem, please call Dr. Kim before 8pm as most pharmacies close at 9pm.
If you are unable to reach Dr. Kim, and/or you feel you have a medical emergency, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.