Learn

Drugs for Infection: Are You Choosing the Best Antibiotic?

2 CE Credits

You will receive 2 units of continuing education credit upon successful completion of this course.

Select this course

ADA Member: $56.00
Nonmember: $84.00
Dental Team Member: $30.00

Author:

To see the author's profile please click on their name.
Daniel Becker

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to do the following

  1. Describe the principle features of beta lactam antibiotics and distinguish penicillins from cephalosporins in terms of antimicrobial spectrum.
  2. Offer advantages of penicillin V, ampicillin and oxacillin over penicillin G and explain the rationale for including clavulanic acid in amoxicillin preparations.
  3. Explain the principle indications and side effects of the following: macrolides, doxycycline, metronidazole, and clindamycin.
  4. Explain the pathogenesis and management of antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis.
  5. Distinguish routine surgical from medical indications for antibiotic prophylaxis and explain why the cephalosporins and penicillins are popular selections.
  6. State the current AHA regimens for the prophylaxis of infective endocarditis and discuss current opinions regarding prophylaxis for surgical orthopedic prostheses.
  7. Explain significant drug interactions documented for antibiotics prescribed for dental-related infections.

Abstract:

Do you select antibiotics wisely? Or have you fallen into a habit of prescribing the same two or three products for all patients? Or worse yet, are you prescribing designer drugs merely on the recommendation of a colleague or sales representative? This course reviews and provides updates on the appropriate use of antibiotics for prophylaxis and for the treatment of odontogenic and periodontal infections. Contraindications and significant drug interactions are also addressed.

Outline:

COURSE OUTLINE

  1. Introduction

  2. Beta Lactam Antibiotics

    1. General considerations

    2. Penicillins: Spectrum, selection and dosages

    3. Cephalosporins: Spectrum, selection and dosages

  3. Macrolides

    1. General considerations

    2. Erythromycin: Spectrum, indications and dosages

    3. Newer derivatives

  4. Miscellaneous Agents

    1. General considerations

    2. Tetracyclines

      1. Doxycycline: : Spectrum, indications and dosages

    3. Clindamycin: Spectrum, indications and dosages

    4. Metronidazole: Spectrum, indications and dosages

    5. Nystatin

  5. Therapeutic Considerations

    1. Infection Treatment

      1. Step Approach

    2. Prophylaxis

      1. Routine

      2. Medical Indications

    3. Drug interactions

  6. Summary


 

References:

  1. Abramowicz M, ed. The choice of antibacterial drugs. The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics. 1999; 41: 1064.
  2. Abramowicz M., ed. Antimicrobial prophylaxis in surgery. The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics. 1999; 41: 1060.
  3. ADA and AAOS Advisory Statement: Antibiotic prophylaxis for dental patients with total joint replacements. JADA. 1997; 128:1004-1007.
  4. Becker DE. Drug interactions in dental practice: A summary of facts and controversies. Compendium. 1994; 15(10):1228-42.
  5. Classen DC, Evans RS, Pestotnik SL, et al. The timing of prophylactic administration of antibiotics and the risk of surgical-wound infection. N Engl J Med. 1992; 326(5):281-286. Notes: Also Editorial: Wenzel RP. Preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis. N Engl J Med. 1992; 326(5):337-339.
  6. Wilson W, Taubert KA, Gewitz M, et. al.  Prevention of Infective Endocarditis. Guidelines From the American Heart Association. Circulation published online Apr 19, 2007; DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.106.183095
  7. Gorbach SL, Bartlett JG, Blacklow NR, eds. Infectious Diseases. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders Co; 1998.
  8. Guillemot D, Carbon C, Balkau B et al. Low dosage and long treatment duration of beta-lactam: risk factors for carriage of penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae [see comments]. JAMA. 1998; 279(5):365-70.
  9. Helms SE, Bredle DL, Zajic J et al. Oral contraceptive failure rates and oral antibiotics. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1997; 36(5 Pt 1):705-10.
  10. Kelly CP, Pothoulakis C, LaMont JT. Clostridium difficile colitis. N Engl J Med. 1994; 330(4):257-62.
  11. Miller DM, Helms SE, Brodell RT. A practical approach to antibiotic treatment in women taking oral contraceptives. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1994; 30(6):1008-11.
  12. Moenning JE, Nelson CL, Kohler RB. The microbiology and chemotherapy of odontogenic infections. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 1989; 47:976-85.
  13. Olin BR, Hebel SK, eds. Drug Facts and Comparisons. 2001 edition. St Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons; 2001.
  14. Shepherd GM. Allergy to beta-lactam antibiotics. Immunol Allergy Clin N Amer. 1991; 11(3):611-33.
  15. Sondheimer SJ. Update on oral contraceptive pills and postcoital contraception. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 1992; 4:502-5.

Select this course

Free Online Marketing Assessment

The Bringo PRO Marketing Report is a free tool that measures your online marketing effectiveness. It provides a score that incorporates things like website optimization, website visibility, website traffic, patient conversion, and other technical factors, and suggestions to improve your score.

Click here to apply

Sign up for Our Newsletter

We are constantly adding and updating our content. Click below to sign up for our mailing list to keep up to date on the latest resources.

Click here to sign up