Bacterial Infection - Can I use Clindamycin for an abscessed tooth? I have swelling and a lot of pain.
Bacterial Infection - Can I Use Clindamycin for an Abscessed Tooth?
Question posted by Dear1369 on 8 March 2011
Last updated on 2 October 2020 by NLeComte11
10 Answers
Official Answer
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 22, 2020.
Clindamycin is a very effective antibiotic against certain types of bacteria which may be present in serious dental infections. But other bacteria and other dental problems can also cause an abscess in the oral cavity.
It should only be used on the recommendation of a dentist.
Self diagnosis is not a good idea, you should seek medical/dental help.
mkbohrer
1 Aug 2011
my dentist prescribed clindamycin for an abcess-
NLeComte11
2 Oct 2020
I was just prescribed clindamycin for painful swelling on the left side of my face that has happened before and was always dismissed as a maxillary sinus infection, but which my ER doc was concerned might actually be a dental abscess.
it absolutely CAN be taken for a dental abscess and is one of the preferred antibiotics for oral infections. however, if you're taking it because you have it handy and not because it was prescribed for this specific infection, even if the medication is not expired, there is a strong risk that the dose will not be high enough or that you will run out before taking a sufficient amount to actually clear up the infection and it will just end up harder to treat in the long run if it doesn't clear up completely, as the bacteria might develop resistance to clindamycin that will severely limit options to treat it at a later date.
I definitely wouldn't recommend taking it if it wasn't prescribed for this infection, especially if you won't have an opportunity to see a dentist, walk-in clinic, or ER doctor before your supply runs out to get a prescription that takes the severity of the infection into account and provides the right dosage for the right overall length of time.
alsalafi1
12 July 2018
not sure
Cynthiawilliams
1 Jan 2018
Yes as long as it has been prescribed by your Dentist
2156097475
3 Dec 2017
Can the antibiotic clindamycin be used for toothaches into French
Eunice-ima
26 May 2017
emm sorry guys, I really have a very bad tooth ache right now, and the only drugs I have is Buscopan and Clindamycin... what should I do... :(
Shayne1315
24 Dec 2018
Take clindamycin. Check date. If over a year, will lose potency. But will still work. Must have enough for a least two tabs a day for a week. 10 days better. God bless.
jroche84
3 Jan 2017
It's ok to take this with an abscess. Don't listen to these people. Just make sure the script isn't expired beyond a year or so. I hope you feel better!
royboy1973
3 Dec 2016
Yes you can
Inactive
9 March 2011
First, where did you get this med, and how old is it? How was/is it stored? In a kitchen, or a humid bathroom? An unairconditioned or unheated house? How many pills do you have? Do you know what kind of bacterial infection you have, or how bad it is?? Do you know how many days of antibiotics you need to completely kill this infection without allowing the stronger bacteria to grow back and then have a possible "superbug" on your hands? Some infections only need five days worth of medication, whereas some need two weeks OR MORE. What I am trying to say to you is that unless you see a dentist, you are only guessing at what you need. You probably need your tooth pulled or a root canal. I'm guessing that you don't have the money to see a dentist, but there is the health dept which offers dental services, and also if you live near a major university, they hopefully have a dental school where you could probably get your teeth fixed for free.
Good luck, but please don't take the medication until you know exactly what you need and for how long.
Inactive
9 March 2011
I agree with Suzanne. Unless your dentist prescribed this for this problem, you should seek his counsel first. My husband is currently on Clindamycin because he just had 6 teeth pulled & has diabetes & a heart condition so I know they use it for dental procedures, but don't ever take leftover meds or someone else's until you talk with your dentist.
Related topics
infections, pain, bacterial infection, clindamycin, swelling
Further information
- Clindamycin uses and safety info
- Clindamycin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Clindamycin (detailed)
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