Resume taking your home medications
Resume all of your normal medications unless otherwise directed by your care team. If you were sent home with prescriptions, it is important that you take these medications exactly as directed.
Managing pain
For pain management, you may use over-the-counter ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) as needed. Use these medications according to package directions.
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): 600 mg every 6 hours, as needed
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol): 1000 mg every 6 hours, as needed
Other post-operative medications
| Cancer Site | General Population Risk | MLH1 Lynch Syndrome Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Oxycodone | Pain medication for severe pain | Do NOT drive on this medication. |
| Diazepam (Valium) | Muscle relaxant | Take every 6 hours to decrease muscle spasm. Do NOT take if feeling overly sleepy or sedated. Medication may cause respiratory depression. Use with caution when taking narcotic pain medication that may increase sleepiness and worsen respiratory depression. |
| Senna with docusate/colace | Mild laxative (senna) combined with stool softener (colace/docusate) | Hold medication for loose bowel movements. Use twice daily while taking prescription pain medication to prevent constipation. |
| Milk of magnesia or Miralax (polyethylene glycol) | Gentle and effective over-the-counter laxatives | Use according to package directions as needed for constipation. |
| Cefadroxil (formerly “Duricef”) | Antibiotic | May cause dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, or photosensitivity. Report chest pain or palpitations, persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, or constipation to your healthcare provider. If tendon inflammation and/or pain occurs, discontinue use and contact prescriber. |
| Aspirin | Blood thinner | Continuing taking this medication for 7 days unless otherwise directed by your surgeon. |
| Bacitracin | Topical antibiotic | Over-the-counter ointment used to avoid or treat skin infections. Apply this to any blisters or broken skin. |