| Dental Prophylaxis Disclaimer: The following
information is intended for cardiology patients seen by the Pediatric
Cardiology Medical Group - East Bay. If you are not one of our patients,
consult your cardiologist regarding dental prophylaxis. If you are
one of our patients, contact us with any questions before your child
undergoes a dental procedure.
Bacterial endocarditis is an infection of the lining of the heart
which may occur in patents with certain structural abnormalities
of the heart or large blood vessels. Dental procedures and many
surgical procedures can be associated with bacteria entering the
blood stream. These bacteria may lodge and grow on damaged or abnormal
heart valves or near other defects.
This type of infection occurs rarely. However, to reduce the risk,
antibiotics can be given before dental and many surgical procedures.
Prior to any dental or surgical procedure you should discuss prophylaxis
with your physician or dentist so that, when indicated, he or she
may prescribe appropriate antibiotics before the procedure (see
prescription information below). Please call our department if
surgery involves the upper respiratory, genitourinary or gastrointestinal
tract.
We recommend that antibiotic prophylaxis be given for tonsillectomy
and/or adenoidectomy and also for all dental procedures likely
to cause bleeding from the gums, including routine cleaning.
Dental prophylaxis is not necessary for adjustment of orthodontic
appliances or when losing deciduous (baby) teeth.
If fever should occur at any time during the 2 months after your
procedure, report it promptly to your pediatrician.
Prescription Information
Dosages for most patients:
- Oral: Amoxicillin 50 mg/kg (maximum 2.0g) 1 hour before procedure.
- Parenteral:
Ampicillin 50 mg/kg (maximum 2.0g) IM or IV 30 minutes before
procedure.
For patients who may be allergic to penicillin-amoxicillin:
- Oral: Clindamycin 20 mg/kg (maximum 600 mg) 1 hour before procedure.
- Parenteral: Clindamycin 20 mg/kg (maximum 600 mg) IV 30 minutes
before procedure.
Please note that your child's cardiologst will generate the initial
prescription. All subsequent prescriptions will be prepared by your
child's dentist. |
