Antibiotics Flashcards
What are they?
These are drugs used specifically to fight against infection by bacteria. Many different bacteria exist that cause dental problems, including dental caries, periodontal disease, dental abscess + periocorontitis. Some bacteria thrive in oxygen-rich environments (aerobic) but others prefer oxygen-poor areas such as deep within the periodontal pocket of a pt with periodontal disease (anaerobic) - they often require antibiotics for their eradication
Bacteria
Can become immune to the antibiotics if used over a prolonged period or inappropriately, so their use must always be justified
Penicillin
Used against the spread of infection in pericorontitis + cellulitis, + to prevent secondary infection after oral surgery procedures. Typical dose is 250mg taken 4 times daily for 3-5 days. Can cause allergic reaction in some patients (even anaphylaxis) + reacts with the drug Methotrexate
Amoxicillin
Type of Penicillin with a wider range of action (referred to as ‘broad-spectrum antibiotic’) typical dosage may be increased to 500mg taken 3 times daily for up to 5 days in severe infections. Also used to be given as a prophylaxis against infective endocarditis in susceptible pts, as a single 3g liquid dose taken 1hr before dental trt, but this is no longer considered necessary for the majority of these pts
Erythromycin
As an alternative for Penicillin + its derivatives in patients who are allergic to them
Clindamycin
As a prophylactic alternative against infective endocarditis In pts allergic to amoxicillin, given as a single 600mg dose 1hr before dental trt; again, this is no longer considered necessary for these previously susceptible pts
Metronidazole
Used against anaerobic bacteria often associated with pericoronitis, periodontal disease + acute ulcerative necrotising gingivitis. Typical dose is 200-400 taken 3 times daily for 3 days, depending on the severity of the infection. Has a severe reaction with alcohol, so pts must be suitably warned.
