Take swabs prior to antibiotic therapy. Check previous microbiology results, allergies and drug interactions.Penicillin Allergy:
• Penicillin allergy is documented in over10% of patients but the nature of allergy is often uncertain (not a true allergy).
• True allergy (anaphylaxis) occurs in under 1% of patients and is a barrier to all beta-lactam antibiotics.
• History of a rash or mild symptoms could still allow the use of cephalosporins or carbapenem antibiotics.

Consider delayed antibiotic prescriptions.

 

Dental prescribing notes

  • Antibiotics are only required if immediate drainage is not achieved or in cases of spreading infection (significant extra-oral swelling, cellulitis) or systemic involvement (fever, sepsis).
  • Where possible all dental prescribing should be by GDP except where this would cause unacceptable delay in treatment.

Dental abscess

  • Refer to GDP. for suspected dental abscess.

Penicillin V 1g bd or 500mg QDS
If penicillin allergic:Metronidazole 400mg TDS

Duration: 5 days

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 18/12/2023

Next review date: 18/12/2024

Reviewer name(s): J. Van Aartsen.