Antibiotics for an abscessed tooth

Examples

Generic Name	Brand Name
clindamycin	Cleocin HCl
erythromycin	E-Mycin, Erythrocot, Filmtab
metronidazole	Flagyl, Protostat
penicillin	amoxicillin

How It Works

Antibiotics kill bacteria and are used to fight many types of infections. Antibiotics for an abscessed tooth are given in pill (oral) form, usually for a 7- to 10-day period.

Why It Is Used

A bacterial infection that causes an abscessed tooth must be treated to kill or prevent the further growth of bacteria, because a continuing bacterial infection may cause more serious disease, such as cellulitis. Antibiotics are used along with other treatment, which may include opening the root canal to drain the source of the abscess, lancing a pimplelike swelling (gumboil) next to the tooth, or removing the tooth (extraction).

How Well It Works

Antibiotic treatment of an abscessed tooth, when used along with either a root canal treatment or extraction, is effective at stopping a bacterial infection in the jaw.

If the antibiotic is not effective at eliminating the bacteria, or if you do not take the antibiotic for a long enough period of time, the bacterial infection may return.

Side Effects

Serious but rare side effects of antibiotics include:

• Allergic reaction.
• Prolonged diarrhea.
• Liver damage.

Common but mild side effects of antibiotics include:

• Bad taste in the mouth.
• Stomach upset.
• Mild to severe diarrhea.
• Vaginal yeast infection.

Diarrhea and vaginal yeast infections sometimes occur when antibiotics destroy some of the normal and necessary bacteria that live in the body. Eating yogurt may help prevent these side effects.

If you get diarrhea while taking an antibiotic, contact your doctor to find out whether you should continue the medicine or try a different medicine. Do not abruptly stop the antibiotic.

Some antibiotics may increase your sensitivity to sunlight (photophobia). Avoid prolonged sun exposure while taking antibiotics.

All medicines carry some risk of side effects. For example, a large study indicates that people who take erythromycin along with certain common medications may increase their risk of sudden cardiac death.¹ The study showed that the risk of sudden cardiac death is greater when erythromycin is taken with some medications that inhibit certain liver enzymes—such as certain calcium channel blockers, certain antifungal medications, and some antidepressants—than when these medications are not taken together.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

It is important to take all of the antibiotics your dentist prescribes. Keep taking the medicine until it is gone, even after you begin to feel better. Otherwise, your bacterial infection may return.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Author:	Ralph Poore	Last Updated: March 23, 2007
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Steven K. Patterson, BSc, DDS, MPH - Dentist
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