Guide to Commonly Prescribed Medications

Antibiotics

Penicillin Antibiotics
Amoxicillin

Take with yogurt or a probiotic.

Augmentin

Also called Amoxicillin + Clavulanate. Take with yogurt or probiotic.

Non-Penicillin Antibiotics
Azithromycin

A Macrolide antibiotic. Generic for a Z-Pak. Take with yogurt or a probiotic.

Clindamycin

A lincosamide antibiotic. Generic for Cleocin. Always take with yogurt or a probiotic. Immediately stop taking if you develop diarrhea and call your MD. Do not use Imodium to stop diarrhea.

Levofloxacin

A Fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Generic for Levaquin. Can cause tendonitis, especially with patients taking steroids, who are of older age, or have kidney problems. Do NOT exercise or lift heavy objects. If you have pain in your muscles or tendons/ligaments, stop immediately and call us.

Pain Relievers

Ibuprofen

Also known as Advil or Motrin. Same drug class as Aleve and aspirin. Used to decrease pain and swelling. Can cause acid reflux so consider taking with over-the-counter Pepcid or Zantac (Famotidine). Can also cause blood-pressure medications to work less effectively so always monitor your B.P. while using.

Acetaminophen

Generic name for Tylenol.

Hydrocodone / Acetaminophen

Also known as Norco or Vicodin. Use: Severe pain not controlled with ibuprofen.
Note: Opioid, habit forming, will cause drowsiness. Do not mix with alcohol or other sedating medications. Already contains Tylenol (acetaminophen)—do NOT mix with other medications containing Tylenol.

Oxycodone / Acetaminophen

Also known as Percocet. Use: Severe pain not controlled with ibuprofen.
Note: Opioid, habit forming, will cause drowsiness. Do not mix with alcohol or other sedating medications. Already contains Tylenol (acetaminophen)—do NOT mix with other medications containing Tylenol.

Steroids

Dexamethasone

Also known as Decadron. Use: Decreases swelling and prevents nausea. Read the back of the packet for instructions. Can cause acid reflux so consider taking with over-the-counter Famotidine (Zantac). Can raise blood pressure with prolonged use, so monitor your BP if you already have high blood pressure.

Methylprednisolone

Also known as Medrol. Use: Decreases swelling and prevents nausea. Read the back of the packet for instructions. Can cause acid reflux so consider taking with over-the-counter Famotidine (Zantac). Can raise blood pressure with prolonged use, so monitor your BP if you already have high blood pressure.

How to Stagger Medicines Properly

The Golden Rules

  • Never take the same medication twice within the same six hours.
  • For each medicine, follow the bottle's instructions as it pertains to that medicine.
  • You don't have to take any more/additional medications if your pain is controlled to your satisfaction.
2-Pill Strategy withOUT Opioids

Good staggering with Ibuprofen 600mg and Tylenol Extra Strength (500mg):

9:00 AM Ibuprofen 10:00 AM Tylenol 3:00 PM Ibuprofen 4:00 PM Tylenol 9:00 PM Ibuprofen 10:00 PM Tylenol
2-Pill Strategy WITH Opioids

Good staggering with Ibuprofen 600mg and Percocet 5mg/325mg (2-in-1 combination drug of Oxycodone/Acetaminophen):

9:00 AM Ibuprofen 10:00 AM Percocet 3:00 PM Ibuprofen 4:00 PM Percocet 9:00 PM Ibuprofen 10:00 PM Percocet

Any Questions or Confusion?

Call us or your MD, pediatrician, OB/GYN, cardiologist, etc. Don't guess or try to figure it out on your own!