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THE TREATMENT REGISTRY

Medication name translator

Brand names differ wildly across countries. Look up the WHO INN (international non-proprietary name) for any medication on your post-op script, and find its equivalent at home. Always confirm with a pharmacist before substituting.

amoxicillin

Antibiotic (penicillin)

Post-op infection prevention; dental and surgical-site cover.

Brand names by country

  • uk Amoxil
  • usa Amoxil, Trimox
  • thailand Amoxin, Polymox
  • turkey Largopen, Demoksil
  • mexico Amoxil, Hidramox
  • india Mox, Novamox
  • spain Clamoxyl

Penicillin allergy is common. If you've ever reacted to penicillin in any form, decline and ask for an alternative (often clarithromycin or doxycycline).

ibuprofen

NSAID analgesic

Post-op pain and inflammation.

Brand names by country

  • uk Nurofen, Brufen
  • usa Advil, Motrin
  • thailand Brufen, Gofen
  • turkey Brufen, Dolven
  • mexico Advil, Motrin
  • india Brufen, Combiflam (with paracetamol)
  • spain Neobrufen, Espidifen

Avoid in stomach ulcer, asthma, kidney disease, and immediately after some procedures (e.g. tonsillectomy, certain plastic surgeries) where bleeding risk increases. Confirm with surgeon.

paracetamol

Analgesic / antipyretic

Pain and fever; usual first-line post-op analgesic.

Brand names by country

  • uk Panadol, Calpol
  • usa Tylenol (acetaminophen)
  • thailand Sara, Tylenol
  • turkey Parol, Tylol
  • mexico Tempra, Tylenol
  • india Crocin, Dolo, Calpol
  • spain Gelocatil, Apiretal

Note that the US calls this acetaminophen — same drug. Maximum 4g/24h adult; many cold/flu products also contain it (additive overdose risk). Avoid alcohol.

tramadol

Opioid analgesic

Moderate-to-severe post-op pain when paracetamol+ibuprofen is insufficient.

Brand names by country

  • uk Zydol, Tramacet (with paracetamol)
  • usa Ultram
  • thailand Tramol, Tramal
  • turkey Contramal
  • mexico Tradol, Nobligan
  • india Tramazac, Domadol
  • spain Adolonta

Controlled drug in many countries — declare it at customs returning home. Drowsiness; do not drive. Interacts with antidepressants (serotonin syndrome).

enoxaparin

Low molecular weight heparin (anticoagulant)

VTE prophylaxis after major surgery, especially long-haul travellers.

Brand names by country

  • uk Clexane
  • usa Lovenox
  • thailand Clexane
  • turkey Clexane, Enoks
  • mexico Clexane
  • india Clexane, LMWX
  • spain Clexane

Self-administered subcutaneous injection. Bruising at injection sites is normal. Stop and seek urgent care if heavy bleeding, blood in urine/stool, or new neurological symptoms.