Here we cover sensible and safe options for relieving pain after your child has had an adenoidectomy:

Vocabulary

• Motrin = Advil = ibuprofen
• Tylenol = acetaminophen
• Lortab = acetaminophen with hydrocodone (a narcotic pain medicine)

Ibuprofen

• Ibuprofen is to be given every 6 hours for the first 5 days.This includes waking your child up at night for a dose of ibuprofen.

Lortab

Lortab can be given as often as every 4 hours if needed for pain.

• Lortab contains acetaminophen (Tylenol). If you give your child plain acetaminophen you must wait at least 4 hours before giving Lortab or there is a risk of overdosing your child on acetaminophen.

• Lortab is a completely different medicine than ibuprofen; therefore, they can be given closely together if needed for pain control.

• Lortab may cause nausea and vomiting. To decrease this risk, it is better if given after eating or drinking. If your child continues to have nausea or vomiting use the Zofran prescription provided by your physician.

• Lortab can be given for as many days as needed to help control the pain.

Aspirin Caution

Never give your child aspirin for 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after any surgical procedure; unless, otherwise specified by your physician.