Persons with certain heart conditions who are scheduled to visit the dentist for cleaning or certain dental procedures may be prescribed an antibiotic to take before the appointment. Antibiotics are prescribed to prevent an infection known as infective endocarditis. This infection may occur when bacteria from the mouth infect areas of the heart after passing through the blood. The bacteria can infect the inner lining of the heart or heart valves. Persons with certain heart conditions since birth, an artificial heart valve, or an issue with a heart valve after a heart transplant should take an antibiotic before going to the dentist. However, persons with many other types of heart conditions do not need to take an antibiotic. Also, persons who have experienced infective endocarditis may also be prescribed an antibiotic before going to the dentist.
Amoxicillin is commonly prescribed and can be taken by mouth by both adults and children. For persons who are allergic to penicillin may be prescribed cephalexin (Keflex), a cephalosporin antibiotic, or clindamycin (Cleocin), a macrolide antibiotic. For persons who cannot take medications by mouth, cefazolin or ceftriaxone (Rocephin) are cephalosporin medications that can be administered into the muscle or given intravenously.
Do you have a question that you would like answered? Contact the helpful and knowledgeable Pharmacists at Cheek & Scott Drugs, in Live Oak and Lake City, Florida.
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