Question:
Are cold medicines okay to use after surgery?

I know that bariatric patients are not supposed to use ibuprofen after surgery. Is it okay to take gelcaps for a cold that contain acetaminophen?    — Kelly E. (posted on August 31, 2004)

August 31, 2004
I get a lot of headaches (I did pre op also) and I was told by the nurse practitioner to take acetominophen. I haven't had any problems...16 months post op. (367/216/175) Keri
   — KAC I.

August 31, 2004
Hello Kelly :) I'm just getting over a really nasty cold & I HAD to use cold medicine. I used Sudafed & a lot of s/f cough drops & eventually had to take antibiotics (Z-Pak). My doc said just to stay away from ibuprofen as well, but that acetominophen was alright. Make sure & read your labels, because there are quite a few choices out there without the ibuprofen. Good Luck & I hope you feel better! Big Hugs ~Amanda
   — amandalianne

August 31, 2004
I used Tyernol cold medicine both the non-drosey and the night time the last time I had a bad cold and they worked just fine. I also use the diabetic cough medication, it has very low sugar and s/f sore throat drops.
   — cindy

August 31, 2004
Hi- Having a cold after surgery pretty much stinks. One of the Sudafed pills is very tiny and you only have to take one. Last time I had a sinus infection, the Sudafed wasn't working and I managed Tylenol Cold & Sinus but the pills are very large, so I only took one. They make liquid adult Tylenol. I have also used the Diabetic Cough Medicine. I also found Comtrex liquid for night time that did not much sugar at all in it and it worked. About one month post op, I got a cold and the nurse told me anything liquid- well, I got Dimetapp and had my first dumping incident. So, don't use that! It made me sicker than any food has and I am almost 9 months now! Just read labels and hang in there. If after a week you aren't feeling better you may need an antibiotic. Oh, no capsules, not sure about gel caps???
   — Kathy *.