One analgesic is insufficient after extraction. What next?
Reassess the dental cause, symptoms/function, response, dosing, and contraindications before escalation.
- NSAID is first-line when appropriate; acetaminophen is an alternative or adjunct.
- Consider NSAID plus acetaminophen for inadequate monotherapy or anticipated moderate/severe pain.
- Provide exact formulation, milligrams/volume, intervals, daily ceilings, and each drug's schedule.
- Account for OTC/combination products to avoid duplicate acetaminophen; add behavioral support.