Practice abstract
British Dental Journal 199, 23 - 26 (2005)
Published online: 9 July 2005 | doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4812535
Subject Categories: Antibiotic prophylaxis | Therapeutics
Clindamycin and dentistry
- Absorption of clindamycin produces high bone concentrations.
- Clindamycin has a favourable spectrum of activity against anaerobic infections.
- Clindamycin is not the only antibiotic to be associated with acute pseudomembranous colitis.
- The suitability of clindamycin as an effective agent for the prophylaxis of infective endocarditis has been demonstrated in the animal model.
- The use of clindamycin in the management of endodontic infections may lead to the selection of enterococci within the root canal.
Abstract
Clindamycin is an antimicrobial agent that dentists use in the UK for infective endocarditis prophylaxis but rarely for other clinical situations that require antimicrobial intervention. This has been largely due to its association with acute pseudomembranous colitis. Up to date information on the efficacy and safety of this antimicrobial agent should be known before prescription.
- Specialist Registrar in Restorative Dentistry, Cardiff University Dental Hospital, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XY
- 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
