Prophylaxis in Dental Procedures

For known Staphylococcus aureus infections, use an antistaphylococcal penicillin (e.g., cloxacillin) or cephalosporin (e.g., cephalexin).

Use vancomycin or clindamycin in patients unable to take beta-lactam antibiotics or if the strain is methicillin-resistant staphylococci.

If the antibiotic is inadvertently not administered before the procedure, the dose may be administered up to 2 hours after the procedure.

If the patient is already taking an antibiotic that would be used for endocarditis prophylaxis, select an agent from a different class to avoid encountering resistant strains. Alternatively, delay the procedure until 10 days or more after completion of the antibiotic course to allow the bacterial flora to return to its usual state.