A New Beginning

Postpartum Medication This is not an all-inclusive list.

Your health care provider will prescribe pain medications based on your individual history and needs to help you feel comfortable. Not all side effects are listed on this table; your nurse will provide you with a medication education handout that includes the side effects if you request it or at the time of discharge.

COMMON POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS NOTE: List does not include all side effects.

COMMON REASON PRESCRIBED FOR POSTPARTUM MOTHERS

GENERIC NAME

BRAND NAME

Acetaminophen, Injection

Ofirmev

Stomach pain, dark urine, yellow eyes/skin

Acetaminophen, oral (by mouth)

Tylenol

Stomach pain, dark urine, yellow eyes/skin

Pain

Morphine sulfate

Dizziness, fatigue, constipation, difficulty breathing

Ketorolac Tromethamine Toradol

Swelling, constipation, nausea, headache

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)

Advil, Motrin, Proprinal, Ketorlac

Stomach/intestinal bleeding

Inflammation

Heart attack/stroke if taken in high doses or if you have heart disease

Metoclorpramide hydrochloride

Reglan

Headache, fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness

Ondansetron

Zofran

Fever, itching, fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, headache

Nausea/Indigestion

Famotidine

Pepcid

Headache, dizziness, constipation, diarrhea

Gas

Simethicone

Mylanta, Gas-X

Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting

Senna

Ex-Lax, Senokot

Stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, low potassium, joint pain

Constipation

Witch Hazel topical pads

Tucks

Mild itching or burning

Hemorrhoids

Hydrocortisone, topical

Anusol

Mild itching or burning

Hydrocortisone-Pramox, topical

Analpram

Mild itching or burning

Perineum Discomfort

Diphenhydramine

Benadryl

Drowsiness, adverse CNS effects

Itching

Nicotine, transdermal

Habitrol

Anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, dizziness, restlessness

Smoking Cessation

Prenatal multivitamins

Upset stomach, headache, unpleasant taste in your mouth

General Health

14 A New Beginning