Author/Editor		Gorjanc, M
Title		Terapevtska uporaba antibiotikov med slovenskimi zobozdravniki
Translated title		Therapeutic use of antibiotics among Slovene dentists
Type		članek
Source		Zobozdrav Vestn
Vol. and No.		Letnik 57, št. 1
Publication year		2002
Volume		str. 15-20
Language		slo
Abstract		Injudicious use of broad-spectrum antibiotics is a major cause for the selection of resistant bacteria. Therefore prescribing these drugs is a highly responsible task. The aim of our study was to evaluate the habits of Slovene dentists regarding the therapeutic use of antibiotics in their patients. Data were collected with a questionnaire distributed among the participants of a dental conference, who represented about 10% of Slovene dentists. They were asked to describe the indications for the use of systemic antibiotics, list the most frequently prescribed drugs, and indicate the duration of therapy. Slovene dentists use antibiotics reqularly for the treatment of dentogenous infections involving soft tissues of the head and neck, and frequently for pulp-related infections of the periapical region, but rarely for infections of the dental pulp. The most popular agents are broad-spectrum penicillin antibiotics combined with beta-lactamase inhibitors (38% of responses). For patients who are allergic to penicillin, macrolide and pyranosid antibiotics are usually selected (82% of responses). The treatment lasts from five (36% of responses) to seven days (35% of responses). Systemic antibiotics are overused mainly in the management of pulp-related infections of the periapical region, where equal or better results can be achieved by thorough eradication of the source of infection using endodontic or surgical methods. Also of questionable value is the widespread use of amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, since such therapy, in the absence of proper indications, significantly contributes to the selection of resistant bacteria.
Descriptors		DENTAL CARE ANTIBIOTICS DRUG UTILIZATION