Here is an overview of some common medications you might take after Hip and Knee Surgery. Dosages are relative and will changed based on other factors. Always consult with your doctor before taking anything listed.

Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

Common drugs used

  • Oxycodone 5mg – 1-2 tabs by mouth 4-6 hrs as needed

  •  Aspirin – 81mg by mouth twice a day x 6 weeks 

  • Celebrex – 200mg by mouth twice a day x 2 weeks

  • Ondansetron – 4mg by mouth three times a day x 7 days as needed for nausea/vomiting 

  • Acetaminophen -- 1,000mg three times a day x 2 weeks as needed

  • Prilosec OTC – 20mg by mouth Daily x 2 weeks

  • Colace (Docusate) – 100mg by mouth twice a day x 2 weeks as needed for Constipation

  • Vitamin C – 1000mg by mouth twice a day x 6 weeks

What do these drugs do?

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to alleviate swelling and soreness, especially for mild to moderate pain. Examples include ibuprofen, naproxen, and celecoxib. They are frequently employed either alone or in combination with other medications and non-medication strategies to manage moderate to severe pain following surgery.

Opioids

Opioids are potent pain relievers used for moderate to severe pain, particularly after surgery. They work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, decreasing the transmission of pain messages and inducing feelings of euphoria. However, they carry a high risk of dependency and various side effects. Common side effects include drowsiness, confusion, and constipation, necessitating careful monitoring and management.

Centrally-Acting Non-Opioids

Acetaminophen, unlike NSAIDs, does not possess anti-inflammatory properties. It raises the body's pain threshold and reduces fever without impacting inflammation. While effective for mild to moderate pain and often used post-surgery, it does not address inflammation.

 

Local Anesthetics

Local anesthetics target specific areas of the body, blocking pain signals without causing systemic side effects like drowsiness or constipation. Lidocaine, bupivacaine, and ropivacaine are commonly used. They can be administered near the surgical site or via epidural for pain management.

Regional Anesthetics

These provide both anesthesia during surgery and pain relief afterward by blocking nerve signals in specific areas. They can be applied to the lower body (spinal, epidural), upper body (interscalene, supraclavicular), or extremities (femoral, sciatic). While they offer effective pain relief, there is a risk of "rebound pain" when the block wears off.

Pain Management Referral

Your doctor will also be working with pain management to create and cater to your needs after the surgery is finished. If you have any issues with the medication prescribed, notify your doctor immediately.

Information graciously provided by Dr. Om Patel with Star Orthopedics.

General info derived from https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/recovery/managing-pain-with-medications/#:~:text=In%20orthopaedic%20surgery%2C%20they%20may,the%20nerves%20to%20your%20brain.