Rethinking clindamycin prescribing in dentistry

The risks posed by clindamycin prescribing may outweigh the benefits.

Experts explained that while dental professionals often prescribe clindamycin to provide broad, anaerobic antibacterial coverage or in individuals reporting penicillin allergy, the drug could come with an increased risk of Clostridioides difficile infections because of its disruptive effect on the gut microbiome, according to a news article from Decisions in Dentistry. They noted that patients with C. difficile infections can experience persistent diarrhea and severe colitis, but the symptoms could become life-threatening in more susceptible patient groups such as older populations.

As a result, the experts cited in the article indicated that less harmful alternative treatment could be preferable for some oral procedures. Nonetheless, some dental professionals may still follow historical protocols when prescribing clindamycin because of the perceived postoperative infection risks.

Among those who have determined that clindamycin may be the most appropriate treatment option, the experts stressed that dental professionals should consider the most up-to-date data, evaluate patient risk factors such as age and comorbidities, and communicate with patients about the risks of C. difficile infections prior to prescribing the antibiotic.

Read more: Decisions in Dentistry

The article presented here is intended to inform you about the broader media perspective on dentistry, regardless of its alignment with the ADA's stance. It is important to note that publication of an article does not imply the ADA's endorsement, agreement, or promotion of its content.