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Pain
medication for toothaches
When a toothache becomes so
severe that you need medication, or after a dental appointment where severe
pain is expected, usually a narcotic medication is
called for. A popular
narcotic is hydrocodone. There are several formulations of
hydrocodone, including Lortab, Vicodin, Zydone, and others. A stronger
narcotic that is used when tooth pain is more severe is oxycodone. This is also sold in
several formulations, such as Tylox, Percocet, and Percodan. An older
narcotic that used to be prescribed more but is not used as much in recent
years is codeine. Tylenol with codeine in various strengths is still
somewhat popular. The
narcotic, such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, or codeine, is always combined
with another anti-inflammatory medication such as acetaminophen
(Tylenol), aspirin, or ibuprofen.
Narcotics act on the central
nervous system to dull your perception of pain. The other medications
(acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen) act "peripherally." They act on the
inflammation that causes the hurting, thus helping control the source. They are usually combined in stronger pain medications to produce a
dual attack on the pain.
Here are some instructions for taking these
medications.
Directions for taking your PAIN MEDICATION
These instructions are written for prescription pain relievers that contain
a combination of an anti-inflammatory agent and a narcotic, such as those
mentioned above. 1. This
medication is to be taken "as needed for pain." In other words, the dosage
interval may be varied a little according to your own individual needs. The
usual dosage interval is every six hours, but if the pain has returned after
four hours, you may take another dose. If you don't need it, don't
take a dose. 2. If you
experience nausea in taking this medication, try taking it after you already
have some food in your stomach. This cushions the impact of the medication.
It also may help to divide the dose instead of taking it all at once.
Directions for dividing the dose: For
medications in capsule form, you may open the capsule and dissolve the
medication in a beverage if you wish. This way you can take a little at a
time, or it may be easier for you to swallow it this way. For tablets, break
the tablet, or crush it and dissolve it in a beverage.
3. This medication may make you drowsy. Also,
alcohol or sedatives will intensify its effect greatly, to a possibly
dangerous or even fatal level. |
