After you have had an operation, you will have approximately 1.5 – 2 hours before the local anæsthetic wears off.  For effective pain relief, you would want to have taken your painkillers within that time, so that they have started to work before the anæsthetic has worn off.

Do not take any ASPIRIN for pain relief as this is more likely to make to bleed that much more.

The type of painkiller you should take is dependent on your medical history & the ease with which the procedure was
carried out.

YOU SHOULD ALWAYS READ THE INSTRUCTION LEAFLET THAT COMES WITH THE PAINKILLERS.

All these painkillers can be bought Over The Counter.  Brand-name drugs are more expensive than generic drugs.


MILD PAIN:

Paracetamol    0.5 - 1g taken every 4 - 6 hours
Ibuprofen         200 – 400mg taken every 4 - 6 hours

Brand names include Nurofen, Cuprofen & Advil.


MODERATE PAIN:

Paracetamol + Ibuprofen   0.5 - 1g & 200 – 400mg taken every 4 - 6 hours

Codeine + Ibuprofen          2 tablets every 8 hours

Brand names include Nurofen Plus & Solpaflex.

Codeine + Paracetamol     2 tablets every 8 hours

Brand names include Solpadeine, Paracodol, Solpadol & Kapake.


SEVERE PAIN:

Codeine-Paracetamol + Ibuprofen


For the painkillers to be effective, they should be taken regularly.

Do not wait for them to wear off.

The painkillers should be taken for at least 2 – 3 days.  After about 3 or so days, the operated area should be starting to settle down.

You then may be able to take less painkillers and less often.