Clinical Pharmacology of Antibiotics of Dental Importance

Abstract

Clinically related pharmacology of the principal antibiotics of dental importance has been presented. The penicillins are characterized as highly potént bactericidal agents of almost nonexistent toxicity and great allergenicity to which bacterial resistance develops readily. The indiscriminate use of the penicillins is condemned. Erythromycin is presented as a safe and effective drug with a spectrum which is quite similar to that of penicillin. Although its antibacterial potency is not as great as that of penicillin, there is less of a problem with the development of allergy and resistant bacteria. The tetracyclines are described as safe and effective broad-spectrum drugs which are bacteriostatic rather than bactericidal. Allergenicity and the development of bacterial resistance do not present frequent problems. Lincomycin, a relatively new drug, which appears to be a safe and effective antibiotic, has a spectrum similar to that of erythromycin. Allergenicity and the development of bacterial resistance have not yet presented frequent clinical problems. All of the previously discussed antibiotics will be active against most bacteria involved in dental infections. The choice between them should not be made arbitrarily but should be based on a knowledge of their pharmacologic differences and the needs of the case.