Post-Op Pain Control in Children After a T&A

Post-Operative Pain Control in Children After a Tonsillectomy/Adenotonsillectomy:

After surgery younger children (age 9 years and younger) are most commonly treated with acetaminophen (Tylenol). Acetaminophen can be given every four hours as either an oral liquid or rectal suppository.
Children and teenagers should not be given aspirin 7 days prior to and after a tonsillectomy/adenotonsillectomy due to the increased risk of bleeding.
While acetaminophen (Tylenol) with codeine is commonly used for pain control after a tonsillectomy/adenotonsillectomy in children it may have side effects from the codeine due to differences in the way the medicine is processed by the body. We will write you a prescription for this medication; however if your child shows these signs stop giving the codeine and switch to Tylenol alone or Tylenol supplemented with Advil:

If any of the above symptoms do occur please call us immediately at 845-294-0661.
If Tylenol or Tylenol with Codeine does not provide adequate pain relief then liquid Ibuprofen (advil) can be used to supplement. Ibuprofen (5mg/kg) every 6 hours for post-procedural analgesia following tonsillectomy/adenotonsillectomy in children provides excellent pain control and has not been shown to increase the risk of postoperative bleeding in children without a history of bleeding disorders.
You can read more on this by referencing the following articles and websites: