Examples
|
| erythromycin | |
| Flagyl | metronidazole |
| penicillin | |
How It Works
Antibiotics kill bacteria and are used to
fight many types of infections. Antibiotics for an
are given in pill (oral) form, usually
for a 7- to 10-day period.
Why It Is Used
A bacterial infection that causes an
abscessed tooth must be treated to kill or prevent the further growth of
bacteria, because a continuing bacterial infection may cause more serious
disease, such as
. Antibiotics are used along with other
treatment, which may include opening the
to drain the source of the abscess, lancing
a swelling (gumboil) next to the tooth, or removing the tooth
(extraction).
How Well It Works
Antibiotic treatment of an abscessed
tooth, when used along with either a root canal treatment or extraction, is
effective at stopping a bacterial infection in the jaw.
If the
antibiotic is not effective at killing the bacteria, or if you do not take
the antibiotic for a long enough period of time, the bacterial infection may
return.
Side Effects
Serious but rare side effects of
antibiotics include:
- Allergic reaction.
- .
- Liver damage.
Common but mild side effects of antibiotics include:
- Bad taste in the mouth.
- Stomach
upset.
- .
- Vaginal yeast
infection.
Diarrhea and vaginal yeast infections sometimes occur when
antibiotics destroy some of the normal and necessary bacteria that live in the
body. Eating yogurt may help prevent these side effects.
If you
get , contact your
doctor to find out whether you should continue the medicine or try a different
medicine. Do not abruptly stop the antibiotic.
Some antibiotics
may increase your sensitivity to sunlight ().
Avoid prolonged sun exposure while taking antibiotics.
See Drug
Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in
all systems.)
What To Think About
It is important to take all of the
antibiotics your
prescribes. Keep taking the medicine until it
is gone, even after you start to feel better. Otherwise your bacterial
infection may return.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)
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