My daughter had her adenoids and tonsils out, So we have been attempting to stay on top of the pain medicine as instructed by our doctor and the hospital. I have been giving my daughter Tylenol every four hours, as recommended on the discharge papers (every 4/6 hours as needed). Then reading the Tylenol package it says to not exceed 5 doses in a 24 hour period. 1 dose every 4 hours = 6 doses. How can they recommend every 4 hours when this exceeds the maximum dose? So of course now I am worried and wondering what did I miss here? How much damage have I caused now? I feel like an idiot and am very frustrated. Of course we are going to space it out now to every six. But for two days we have been giving her 6 doses. Any suggestions?
Thank you for the comments, we will rest easy tonight. We were told by a lot of people and the hospital staff to stay on top of the pain meds and don't miss a dose, but she has not shown any signs of discomfort and I think what was suggested below is the best. Space it out and only give when there are signs of discomfort. We are going to keep a close eye on her and see what works best for her.
We used it and it was fine.
Actually for a few days after the sugery (this was 13 yrs ago so I don't know if it's changed any) they gave us a pink liquid pain med to use for the first 48 hrs and THEN we did liquid tylenol.
For the few days he'll need it for pain - I wouldn't worry about it - just follow doctors instructions.
Do NOT wait for pain before you give meds - you follow doctors schedule for the time period he specified.
My husband is a pharmacist so I asked him. He said 4 hours is ok, but 6 hours is better. He said to change to every 6 hours, but you don't need to worry about having done any damage. My husband said the key is to give "as needed" which it sounds like the discharge papers said. If she isn't in pain, no need to give Tylenol. If she is sleeping, don't wake her up to give it. It's Ok.
the dosage on the boxes is for normal ie mama-dispensed medication as opposed to that recommended by your doctor. the doctor and hospital have given you specific instructions for this specific circumstance only. they know what they're doing.
you haven't caused any damage. sensible parents are going to understand that the post-op instructions only apply post-op, not forever. your daughter is fine.
khairete
S.
Talk to your doctor. If he said to give it every 4 hours, give it every 4 hours.
Also, do not switch to motrin just because people on the internet say to. Motrin/ibuprofen is a great anti-inflammatory and pain reducer and switching off between tylenol and motrin is great advice for fevers. But motrin can also prevent clotting/increase bleeding so it might not be appropriate after surgery.
Again, talk to your doctor to get his advice on all of this.
The doses on the bottle are for general use. They are over the counter dosing. When your doctor tells you to take more it is because it is safe.
An example, the usual dose of Motrin is 400mg for an adult. After my knee surgery the prescription was for an 800mg dose every 4 to 6 hours.
Those higher doses are not something you want to do all the time but for emergencies it is perfectly safe.
Doctors regularly write recommendations that exceed the bottle label. I would just double check with your doctor, since yes, 4 hours puts you over the limit, but 6 hours doesn't. They give you a range so the kid can sleep uninterrupted! Just be a little more flexible with timing and don't let it wear off completely (i.e., don't exceed 6 hours).
The OTC instructions on medications are for lay-person use when not ordered by a doctor for a diagnosed medical reason.
For example, OTC 200mg ibuprofen says not to take more than 6 pills in 24 hours. After giving birth, my doctor's instructions were to take 4 200mg pills every 4-6 hours as needed. Because 800mg is the prescription ibuprofen strength for pain management.
Most people don't give dose after dose after dose. They give a dose or two and the issue is resolved.
If she's in pain she needs Motrin anyway. It's more for pain and inflammation where Tylenol works better on headaches and fever.
Ours used to also recommend Ibuprofen to alternate with the Tylenol so that they would never be in pain. So like half way through the time between Tylenol, we'd give them Ibuprophen. And that way we didn't go over the daily allowances for each medication.
I would definitely check that though with your doctor beforehand. It might not always be a good idea and I wouldn't give any drug that they don't recommend.
