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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Amoxycillin Be Substituted By Cephalexin To Treat A Tooth Abscess?

My husband was prescribed amoxycillin cap 500mg 20 three times a day for an abscess on a tooth. He was given a repeat prescription which he did not get filled as he thought his tooth was better, but now it has flared up again and it is the week end. I was prescribed cephalexin 500 20 three times a day last year and have a full packet unopened left from a repeat prescription. Can he take these until he can get his repeat prescription filled? Is there a difference? We live out of town and it will save a trip to a chemist which opens on weekends. I don t think his does! Thank you for your response. Nancy Fermoyle
Tue, 1 Mar 2016
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Dentist,  's  Response

Hi Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..

I have gone through your query and can understand your concern...

Yes amoxicillin 500mg could be substituted by cephalexin 500 mg to treat a tooth abscess. Cephalaxin needs to be used twice a day for 3-5 days only. However according to my opinion amoxicillin has better results than cephalaxin in treating tooth infection or abscess. But you could take cephalaxin if not allergic to it & prescription for amoxicillin is not available at this moment.
Also i would suggest you to consult a dental surgeon. Only antibiotic course would not be enough to treat a tooth abcess. A root canal treatment or extraction of tooth may be required. Dental infections tends to reoccur after stoppage of antibiotics. Also long term usage of antibiotics is not advised to treat dental infection.
Therefore you should make a dental appointment & could take antibiotics till your appointment. Intake of analgesic like paracetamol/ Ibuprofen is also advised in case of pain & swelling.

Refer to your dentist
Hope this information helps
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Can Amoxycillin Be Substituted By Cephalexin To Treat A Tooth Abscess?

Hi Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC.. I have gone through your query and can understand your concern... Yes amoxicillin 500mg could be substituted by cephalexin 500 mg to treat a tooth abscess. Cephalaxin needs to be used twice a day for 3-5 days only. However according to my opinion amoxicillin has better results than cephalaxin in treating tooth infection or abscess. But you could take cephalaxin if not allergic to it & prescription for amoxicillin is not available at this moment. Also i would suggest you to consult a dental surgeon. Only antibiotic course would not be enough to treat a tooth abcess. A root canal treatment or extraction of tooth may be required. Dental infections tends to reoccur after stoppage of antibiotics. Also long term usage of antibiotics is not advised to treat dental infection. Therefore you should make a dental appointment & could take antibiotics till your appointment. Intake of analgesic like paracetamol/ Ibuprofen is also advised in case of pain & swelling. Refer to your dentist Hope this information helps