Treating Tooth Infection with Clindamycin
To begin with, we would know about the working of the antibiotic, its recommended dosage, possible side effects, and precautions to follow before using the medication.
Working
One of the basic necessities of pathogens such as bacteria to grow and multiply in the host is their ability to make certain proteins known as ribosomes. So what clindamycin does is, it keeps the bacteria from making such proteins. So, as the treatment continues, the drug causes a total shut down of the multiplication of the pathogens. Thus getting rid of the infection completely.
Recommended Dosage
The drug is usually recommended in the form of capsules or injections. So for each of these types, the dosage of clindamycin may vary. (Note that the following dosages are applicable to adults. In case of children, the dosages may vary depending upon the weight.)
For Capsules:
Dosage (mg) | Frequency | Maximum Dosage (mg) |
150 – 450 | Every 6 hours | 1800 per day |
For Injections:
Dosage (mg) | Frequency | Maximum Dosage (mg) |
1200 – 2700 | 2 – 4 smaller doses a day | 4800 per day |
One important fact regarding the dosage of this antibiotic is that, it may vary from person to person depending upon certain factors. These may include:
- The severity of the infection
- Response of the body to the medication
- The type of clindamycin that is being used
- If the patient is already on some other kind of medications
- If the patient is suffering from other medical conditions
Possible Side Effects
Clindamycin proves not only highly effective in treating tooth infection, but tolerable for most people, as well. However, there are a few side effects that may occur. It is common for the patient to experience nausea/vomiting, diarrhea and pain in the abdominal region. There might also occur skin rashes, yeast infections, and the patient might have a metallic taste in the mouth.
Precautions
One important precaution that a patient must exercise before taking Clindamycin, is about informing the health care provider about his/her medical history. It is essential for the caregiver to know if the patient has any kind of liver disease, problems of the kidneys, gastrointestinal disease, yeast infections, and allergic reactions; or a history of all these problems. More important is to inform the care giver if the patient is expecting or is a nursing mother.
To conclude with a disclaimer, it is important to know that the information presented in the above article is solely meant for educational purpose. And in no way, the data means to substitute a dentist’s recommendations or advice. Take care!