From the Research
Managing tooth infections in patients taking Farxiga (dapagliflozin) requires careful coordination between dental and medical care, with a focus on prompt dental evaluation, appropriate antibiotics, and definitive dental treatment. The standard approach involves:
- Prompt dental evaluation to assess the severity of the tooth infection
- Appropriate antibiotics, such as amoxicillin 500mg three times daily for 7 days, or clindamycin 300mg four times daily for 7 days if penicillin-allergic, as supported by the most recent study 1
- Definitive dental treatment, such as root canal therapy or extraction, to resolve the infection Patients should monitor their blood glucose levels more frequently during the infection and treatment period, as infections can cause glucose fluctuations 2. It's essential to inform both the dentist about Farxiga use and the prescribing physician about the dental infection and antibiotic treatment. Adequate hydration is particularly important for patients on Farxiga to prevent dehydration, especially when dealing with infection. Pain management should preferably use acetaminophen rather than NSAIDs when possible. This careful approach is necessary because Farxiga, as an SGLT2 inhibitor used for diabetes management, affects glucose regulation, and dental infections can impact glycemic control while potentially increasing the risk of rare but serious complications like diabetic ketoacidosis if not properly managed. The use of antibiotic prophylaxis in patients with diabetes mellitus prior to oral surgical procedures is not definitively recommended, and the decision should be based on individual patient needs and the specific procedure being performed 2. However, the most recent study 1 suggests that adjunctive antibiotic use may be beneficial for patients with severe periodontitis and poorly controlled diabetes. Overall, the management of tooth infections in patients taking Farxiga requires a comprehensive approach that considers the patient's overall health, the severity of the infection, and the potential impact on glycemic control.