LOADING

Type to search

Pharmacology

Refresher: Why use anti-infectives?

This summary is based on the Clinical Info provided by the Canadian Pharmacists Association: Drugs in Dentistry (December 2012)

By Dr. Dan Haas, DDS, PhD, FRCDC

Consider the following points when using antibiotics:

  • Use only when there is an indication.
  • Use only when the risk-benefit ratio is favourable.
  • They are not a substitute for establishing adequate drainage.
  • Choose an effective agent with the narrowest spectrum of activity.
  • Prescribe a therapeutic dose.
  • Consider a loading dose.
  • Prescribe at an appropriate frequency.
  • Prescribe for an appropriate duration.
  • Choose the drug with the fewest side effects.
  • Consider laboratory culture and sensitivity tests to target specific bacteria with antibiotics identified as effective.
  • Recognize that antibiotics encourage development of resistance if used for too long and/or at suboptimal doses.
  • In superficial infections, consider alternatives to antibiotics such as topical debridement and application of topical antiseptics when appropriate.
  • Consider individual patient factors such as age, allergies and drug interactions, especially with azole antifungals (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole), clarithromycin, erythromycin, metronidazole, tetracyclines; consult individual product monographs and drug interaction references.
  • Consider cost.

 Antibacterial Dosages for Orofacial Infections

Anti-infective

Antifungals for the Treatment of Oral Candidiasis

Anti-infective 2

References

  1. Haas DA. Adverse drug interactions in dental practice: interactions associated with analgesics, Part III in a series. J Am Dent Assoc 1999;130(3):397-407.
  2. United States Pharmacopeial Convention. USP DI Volume 1: Drug information for the health care professional. 24th ed. Englewood (CO): Micromedex; 2004.
  3. Haas DA. An update on analgesics for the management of acute postoperative dental pain. J Can Dent Assoc 2002;68(8):476-82.
  4. Haas DA, Epstein JB, Eggert FM. Antimicrobial resistance: dentistry’s role. J Can Dent Assoc 1998;64(7):496-502.
  5. Levine M, Lexchin J, Pellizzari R, editors. Drugs of choice: a formulary for general practice. 3rd ed. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Medical Association; 1998. p. 78. 

 

Do you have any particular question on this topic? Do you have any comments or suggestions? Email us at oasisdiscussions@cda-adc.ca

You are invited to comment on this post and provide further insights by posting in the comment box which you will find by clicking on “Post a reply” below. You are welcome to remain anonymous and your email address will not be posted.   

2 Comments

  1. Howard Stein November 4, 2013

    Excellent post. Can you publish Pediatric doses as well please?

    Reply
    1. JCDA Oasis November 4, 2013

      Hello Dr. Stein,

      I will certainly look into your question.

      Cheers, JCDA Oasis Team

      Reply

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *