Second line antibiotics

The empirical use of other antibiotics such as clindamycin, co-amoxiclav and clarithromycin offers no advantage over amoxicillin, phenoxymethylpenicillin and metronidazole for most dental patients. Their routine use in dentistry is unnecessary and could contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance. Also the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics is associated with the increase in Clostridium difficile infection observed in both primary and secondary care.

However, if a patient has not responded to the first-line antibiotic prescribed, check the diagnosis and either refer the patient or consider speaking to a specialist before prescribing clindamycin, co-amoxiclav or clarithromycin.

Clindamycin is active against Gram-positive cocci, including streptococci and penicillin-resistant staphylococci, and can be used if the patient has not responded to amoxicillin or metronidazole. It should be noted, however, that clindamycin can cause the serious adverse effect of antibiotic-associated colitis more frequently than other antibiotics.

Co-amoxiclav is active against beta-lactamase-producing bacteria that are resistant to amoxicillin, and can be used to treat severe dental infection with spreading cellulitis or dental infection that has not responded to first-line antibacterial treatment.

Clarithromycin is active against beta-lactamase-producing bacteria.

As the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, especially co-amoxiclav and clindamycin, can result in Clostridium difficile infection, use of these drugs should be restricted to second-line treatment of severe infections only.