As a leading online healthcare provider, e-Surgery is committed to providing our patients with high-quality treatments and excellent service for various health conditions, including dental infections. Two of our commonly prescribed treatments for dental infections are Amoxicillin and Metronidazole, both effective antibiotic medications.
In this article, we’ll address the most asked questions about dental infections and these antibiotic treatments to ensure that you have all the information you may need.
How do Amoxicillin and Metronidazole work for dental infections?
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic that belongs to the penicillin family. It works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, effectively stopping the growth and reproduction of bacteria. This makes it effective against a wide range of bacteria commonly found in dental infections. Amoxicillin is not suitable for those with a penicillin allergy.
Metronidazole, however, is both antiprotozoal and antibacterial medication. Its mechanism of action involves disrupting the DNA of certain anaerobic bacteria and protozoa. This makes it particularly effective against anaerobic bacteria, which are often involved in severe dental infections.
Please note that you should also book the next available dentist’s appointment as these treatments will not resolve the cause of your dental infection.
What are the common side effects of these dental infection medications?
All medicines can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Below are some of the potential side effects of both Amoxicillin and Metronidazole:
Amoxicillin:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Skin rash
- Headache
Metronidazole:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Dizziness
In rare cases, some people may experience more severe side effects or allergic reactions. If you have trouble breathing, severe rash, or swelling of the face, throat, or tongue, seek immediate medical attention.
How can I reduce some of the common side effects?
For both medications:
- Take with food to reduce stomach upset
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- If diarrhoea occurs, avoid dairy products and high-fibre foods until it resolves
For Metronidazole specifically:
- Avoid alcohol completely during treatment and for at least 48 hours after the last dose
- To manage the metallic taste, try sugar-free gum or mints
Remember, if side effects persist or become severe, consult your healthcare provider.
What are the typical dosing schedules for these antibiotics in dental infections?
You should always follow your doctor’s specific instructions as the dose and schedule can vary from patient to patient. The general dosing and schedule for these dental infection medications are:
Amoxicillin:
- Adults: 250-500 mg three times a day, depending on the severity and type of infection.
- Duration: Usually 5-7 days
Metronidazole:
The usual dose varies depending on the patient’s age and weight. For dental infection, short courses of 3 days are normally prescribed to clear up infections.
- Adults: 400 mg orally every 8 hours, or 500 mg every 12 hours
- Duration: Usually 5-7 days
How should I take these dental infection medications?
Make sure to always take these dental infection medications exactly as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. Generally, For both antibiotics:
- Complete the entire course, even if you start feeling better before it’s finished
- Take each dose with a full glass of water
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. Never double up on doses.
Specific considerations:
- Amoxicillin can be taken with or without food
- Metronidazole should be taken with food and no alcohol, and you should not drink alcohol for 48 hours after treatment. Drinking alcohol whilst taking Metronidazole can cause side effects including feeling and being sick, heart palpitations and headaches.
How should I store these dental infection medications?
For both Amoxicillin and Metronidazole:
- Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light
- Keep in the original container with the cap tightly closed
- Keep out of reach of children
- Do not use after the expiration date
When should I expect improvement in my dental infection?
Most patients start to feel better within 2-3 days of starting antibiotic treatment. However, it’s important to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve. If you don’t see any improvement after 3 days, or if your symptoms worsen, contact your healthcare provider.
Can I drink alcohol while taking these antibiotics?
With Amoxicillin, while it’s generally safe to consume moderate amounts of alcohol, it’s best to avoid it as alcohol can slow your recovery and increase side effects like nausea.
However, with Metronidazole, no alcohol should be consumed during treatment and for at least 48 hours after the last dose. Combining alcohol with Metronidazole can cause severe nausea, vomiting, flushing, and rapid heartbeat.
Where do we ship dental infection treatment?
e-Surgery’s pharmacy and prescription service is only available to individuals in England, Scotland, and Wales.
If you have any issues with the delivery of your product, please contact us within 14 days of the expected delivery date at [email protected]. We will be unable to help you if your item tracking details state the item has been delivered and you are contacting us 14 days after the date of your stated delivery.
What should I do in case of an emergency?
If you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction or any other severe side effects:
- Stop taking the medication immediately
- Seek emergency medical attention by calling 999 or going to the nearest emergency room
- Inform medical staff about the medications you’re taking and provide dosage details
Always carry your medication information with you and consider wearing a medical alert bracelet if you have known allergies.
Summary
At e-Surgery, we’re committed to providing safe and effective treatments for dental infections, including Amoxicillin and Metronidazole. These antibiotics, when used as prescribed, can effectively treat many dental infections.
However, they must be used responsibly to prevent antibiotic resistance and minimize side effects, and you should book the next available appointment with your dentist as these treatments will not resolve the cause of your infection.
If you have any further questions about using these antibiotics for dental infections, their side effects, or any other concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our customer service team. We’re here to help ensure you receive the best possible care for your dental health needs.
