Can You Take Painkillers With Antibiotics?

By Staff WriterLast Updated April 03, 2020

Painkillers can be taken with antibiotics, according to Dr. Meng K. Syn. In depth dental procedures, such as a root canal treatment, usually results in having an antibiotic and a pain medication being prescribed concurrently.

According to Medline Plus after a root canal procedure, swelling is expected in the gums and over the counter non-steriodal anti-inflammatory medications are taken along with antibiotics. Vicodin and Amoxicillin are commonly prescribed together post-surgery to relieve pain and prevent infection, respectively. Since these drugs are from different drug classes, they interact minimally when absorbed into the bloodstream. Pain medications are localized to the nervous system, while antibiotics target the immune system.