From the Guidelines
Cephalexin can be used for a tooth infection, but it is not the first choice due to its limited spectrum of activity against certain bacteria commonly found in dental infections. The decision to use cephalexin should be based on the suspected or confirmed causative pathogens and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns 1.
Key Considerations
- Cephalexin is effective against many gram-positive bacteria, but its activity against gram-negative bacteria and anaerobes is limited 1.
- For dental infections, amoxicillin (with or without clavulanate) is often preferred due to its broader spectrum of activity 1.
- The typical adult dosage for dental infections is 500 mg taken orally every 6 hours for 7-10 days, but this may vary depending on the severity of the infection and the patient's medical history.
Important Factors
- Patients with penicillin allergies should inform their healthcare provider, as cross-reactivity with cephalosporins like cephalexin can occur in about 10% of cases.
- If the infection is severe (with facial swelling, difficulty swallowing, fever above 101°F), immediate dental or medical attention is necessary as antibiotics alone may be insufficient.
- While taking cephalexin, patients should stay hydrated and may take it with food to reduce stomach upset.
Treatment Approach
- It's essential to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve before finishing the prescription.
- The choice of antibiotic should be guided by the most recent and highest-quality evidence, and cephalexin should only be used when its benefits outweigh its limitations 1.
From the Research
Cephalexin for Tooth Infections
- Cephalexin has been studied as a potential treatment for dental infections, including tooth infections 2, 3.
- A 1984 study compared cefaclor and cephalexin in the treatment of dental infections, finding that cephalexin was effective in treating these infections, although cefaclor showed slightly better clinical effectiveness on the 3rd day of treatment 2.
- A 2024 study found that cephalexin-clavulanic acid was as effective as co-amoxiclav and cefuroxime in managing dental infections, with faster clinical improvement and better resolution of certain symptoms 3.
Effectiveness and Safety
- Cephalexin has been shown to be effective in treating dental infections, with clinical improvement rates of 92.4% to 98.3% in different studies 2, 3.
- The antibiotic has been found to be well-tolerated, with side effects mostly being gastrointestinal in origin 2, 3.
- However, it is essential to note that antibiotic therapy should be used judiciously to minimize the risk of bacterial resistance and other adverse effects 4, 5, 6.
Comparison with Other Antibiotics
- Cephalexin has been compared to other antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, and cefuroxime, in the treatment of dental infections 3, 5, 6.
- While cephalexin has been found to be effective, the choice of antibiotic may depend on various factors, including the severity of the infection, patient allergies, and local resistance patterns 4, 5, 6.