Antibiotics in Dentistry
- Amoxicillin — first-line for most odontogenic infections (broad-spectrum penicillin).
- Amoxicillin + clavulanate — for resistant/refractory infections.
- Metronidazole — anaerobic coverage (often combined with amoxicillin); avoid alcohol (disulfiram-like reaction).
- Clindamycin — for penicillin-allergic patients (good bone penetration).
Infective Endocarditis (IE) Prophylaxis
For high-risk cardiac patients undergoing invasive procedures: Amoxicillin 2 g orally, 1 hour before (clindamycin/azithromycin if allergic). Indications have narrowed in recent guidelines.
Exam Tips ⭐
Amoxicillin = first-line; metronidazole = anaerobes; clindamycin = penicillin allergy; IE prophylaxis = amoxicillin 2 g, 1 h before.
📝 Practice MCQs — Antibiotics in Dentistry
Q1. First-line antibiotic for most odontogenic infections is:
A. Metronidazole
B. Amoxicillin
C. Ciprofloxacin
D. Tetracycline
Show Answer
✅ Answer: B
Amoxicillin is first-line for dental infections.
Q2. For a penicillin-allergic patient, a good alternative is:
A. Ampicillin
B. Clindamycin
C. Cloxacillin
D. Cephalexin (high risk)
Show Answer
✅ Answer: B
Clindamycin is used in penicillin allergy.
Q3. Standard adult IE prophylaxis is amoxicillin:
A. 500 mg at procedure
B. 2 g, 1 hour before
C. 1 g after procedure
D. 250 mg daily
Show Answer
✅ Answer: B
Amoxicillin 2 g orally, 1 hour before the procedure.
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