Pain is best controlled by taking regular medications and preventing pain rather than attempting to reduce pain.
Use the following schedule to maximise your pain relief:
6am – Paracetamol (2 x 500mg tablets)
- 9am – Ibuprofen (2 x 200mg tablets)
- Midday – Paracetamol (2 x 500mg tablets)
- 3pm – Ibuprofen (2 x 200mg tablets)
- 6pm – Paracetamol (2 x 500mg tablets)
- 9pm – Ibuprofen (2 x 200mg tablets)
- Midnight – Paracetamol (2 x 500mg tablets)
For children (under 14 years or less than 40kg):
Use the same schedule with Panadol and Ibuprofen syrup, following the dosage on the bottle.
For stronger pain relief:
- Panadeine Forte or similar (500mg Paracetamol + 30mg Codeine) may be used instead of Panadol.
- Palexia or Endone can be taken every 4–6 hours in addition to regular Paracetamol and Ibuprofen.
Important Notes:
- If you are allergic to any medication listed, consult your doctor before taking it.
- If you have liver or kidney issues, confirm medications with your doctor.
- Do not take Ibuprofen if you have:
- Aspirin-triggered asthma
- Gastric/duodenal ulcers
- Unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding
Nausea and Constipation
Codeine may cause nausea after 48 hours.
If you feel like vomiting on day 2 or 3 after surgery, stop taking Codeine (e.g. Panadeine Forte) for 12–24 hours.
Switch to Panadol/Nurofen combination.
Note: Codeine, Endone, and Palexia may cause constipation. Consider using a mild laxative.
