How long does it take for antibiotics to help relieve pain?

Question

I have an infection in my lower back, it is very very painful. my doctor started me on augmentin (they are really huge pills!) yesterday, I took the first one at about 4pm and I'm still in a lot of pain. My doctor said it should help with the pain because the swelling from the infection will go down, but she didn't say how long it would take! So I'm just wondering if any one knows or has experienced anything like this that could tell me how long it will be before I get some relief,

Thanks!!

Answer 1

She's not a very compassionate doctor if she didn't give you some pain meds...that med will start in about 24 hours, but the pain is a separate issue.

Were I you, I'd be on the phone demanding something for the pain.  Even if she is stingy with pain meds, she should at least give you a few pills, such as Tylenol with Codeine or something that will ease pain and nudge you off into sleep.

Some doctors are so fearful of being prosecuted for drug prescription abuse that they actually cause their own patients to suffer.

I'd be looking for a new doc when my back got getter.  A doctor who doesn't listen to and consider the patients needs is not much of a doc, in my book!

Answer 2

Since antibiotics only indirectly relieve pain by treating the infection causing it, it will take a few days, especially with Augmentin. I would recommend standard ibuprofen (around 600mg), as this is a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. This will help relieve pain in two ways.

Answer 3

Usually it take at least 24-48 hours on medication before the antibiotics reduce the swelling, inhibit production of more germs, and encourage the white blood cells to come and take away the infected and dead cells, all of which will decrease the pain.  In the meantime, you probably want to take some mortin/aleve to help decrease swelling and decrease pain.  If you have to wait 3 days, that can be normal too, especially where you have the infection and if it has been there for awhile.

So be as patient as you can, and try some ice to see if it helps decrease the pain and swelling.

Good luck.

Answer 4

antibiotics are not pain killers, they kill bacteria in infections.  the one the doctor gave you should be starting to kill the infection by now, but probably wont do the whole job for at least 3 days.  make sure to take the prescription in full.  perhaps you can put ice or heat on the area that is hurting so much.  also, if you are not allergic, it wouldn't hurt to take some aspirin or motrin,   that will reduce any inflamation.  

Answer 5

Antibiotics will relieve the cause of the pain but they take anywhere up to ten days to be effective. They are not pain killers. It usually takes more than one pill to start working as they enhance your natural antibodies/white cells.