title: Clindamycin in dentistry: more than just effective prophylaxis for endocarditis?
abstract: Clindamycin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic with activity against aerobic, anaerobic, and beta-lactamase-producing pathogens. This antibiotic has been used for many years as prophylactic treatment during dental procedures to prevent endocarditis. However, the spectrum and susceptibility of the bacteria species involved in dental infections indicate that clindamycin would also be an effective treatment option for these conditions. In addition to its antiinfective properties, clindamycin has high oral absorption, significant tissue penetration, including penetration into bone, and stimulatory effects on the host immune system. This review discusses the microbiologic and clinical evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of clindamycin for the successful management of dental infections.
authors.affiliation: Georgetown University School of Medicine, USA.
authors.forename: Itzhak
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Brook
authors.forename: Mike A O
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Lewis
authors.forename: George K B
authors.initials: GK
authors.lastname: Sándor
authors.forename: Marjorie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jeffcoat
authors.forename: L P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Samaranayake
authors.forename: Jorge
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vera Rojas
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D001421:Bacteria, Anaerobic / Q000187:drug effects; D002981:Clindamycin / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015921:Dental Implants / Q000009:adverse effects; D003788:Dental Pulp Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial; D004697:Endocarditis, Bacterial / Q000517:prevention & control; D005491:Focal Infection, Dental / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology*; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D015921:Dental Implants; D002981:Clindamycin