ENT and dental infections | Right Decisions

These guidelines apply only to Wards 116 and 118 at RIE, Ward 20 at WGH and ITU at SJH. They should not be used in any other area of NHS Lothian.

Recommended total duration depends on source control.

For a dental abscess that has been drained and admission to critical care is for monitoring of airway and no concern regarding mediastinal or deeper structure infection.

Benzylpenicillin 1.2g every 4 hours IV

AND

Metronidazole 500mg every 8 hours IV

ENT or dental infection and no mediastinal extension

Co-amoxiclav 1.2g every 8 hours IV

Mild/minor penicillin allergy

Ceftriaxone 2g once daily IV

AND

Metronidazole 500mg every 8 hours IV

In severe penicillin allergy discuss with microbiology

ENT/dental infection with mediastinal extension

Ceftriaxone 2g every 12 hours IV

AND

Metronidazole 500mg every 8 hours IV

In severe penicillin allergy discuss with microbiology.