Abstract

Objectives Azithromycin has recently replaced clindamycin oral suspension for prop hylaxis of infective endocarditis (IE) in children. It is also currently recommended by the American Heart Association as an alternative to penicillin, along with clindamycin for prophylaxis of infective endocarditis in adults. The objectives of this paper were to firstly, review the current literature on the efficacy of azithromycin as a suitable prophylactic agent in the prevention of infective endocarditis; and secondly, to review its pharmacological properties as a suitable therapeutic agent in the management of odontogenic infections.

Design A review of the literature.

Conclusions The available evidence from animal models on infective endocarditis supports the efficacy of this drug as a prophylactic agent against oral streptococci. The pharmacological properties of this agent would make it a very promising therapeutic adjunct in the management of odontogenic infections. At present there are only a small number of studies available with valuable data on the efficacy of this relatively new drug. Further investigations comparing this compound with other commonly used adjuncts would be of great benefit.

1. Specialist Registrar in Restorative Dentistry, Cardiff University Dental Hospital, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XY
2. Senior Lecturer/ Honorary Consultant, Department of Clinical Dental Sciences, Liverpool University Dental Hospital, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5PS.

Correspondence to: L D Addy¹ e-mail: addyld@cardiff.ac.uk