This course presents an in-depth discussion of the use and characteristics of current antibiotics for dental purposes.

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.

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.

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

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