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Dental Prescribing

Adult dental prescribing quick reference

Clinical verification required

Dental abscess — amoxicillin

For spreading infection, cellulitis, systemic involvement, or when local measures are ineffective.

Bacterial · Antibiotic

Prescription wording

ADULT Amoxicillin Capsules, 500 mg Send: 15 capsules Label: 1 capsule three times daily CHILDREN Amoxicillin Capsules, 250 mg, or Oral Suspension 125 mg/5 ml or 250 mg/5 ml 6–11 months: 125 mg three times daily 1–4 years: 250 mg three times daily 5–11 years: 500 mg three times daily 12–17 years: 500 mg three times daily Severe infection: adult and age 12–17 dose may be doubled; age 6 months–11 years up to 30 mg/kg, max 1 g, three times daily.

Checks before issuing

  • Local measures/drainage considered first.
  • Check penicillin allergy.
  • Do not prescribe for pulpitis alone.
  • Urgent referral if significant trismus, floor-of-mouth swelling or breathing difficulty.

Dental abscess — phenoxymethylpenicillin

Alternative first-line penicillin option where appropriate.

Bacterial · Antibiotic

Prescription wording

ADULT Phenoxymethylpenicillin Tablets, 250 mg Send: 40 tablets Label: 2 tablets four times daily CHILDREN Phenoxymethylpenicillin Tablets, 250 mg, or Oral Solution 125 mg/5 ml or 250 mg/5 ml 6–11 months: 62.5 mg four times daily 1–5 years: 125 mg four times daily 6–11 years: 250 mg four times daily 12–17 years: 500 mg four times daily Severe infection: adult dose may be doubled; children up to 11 years up to 12.5 mg/kg four times daily; age 12–17 up to 1 g four times daily.

Checks before issuing

  • Check penicillin allergy.
  • Local measures should be provided where possible.
  • Review at 3 days.
  • Do not use for inflammatory dental pain without infection.

Dental abscess — metronidazole

For penicillin allergy or as adjunct in spreading infection when instructed.

Bacterial · Antibiotic

Prescription wording

ADULT Metronidazole Tablets, 400 mg Send: 15 tablets Label: 1 tablet three times daily CHILDREN Metronidazole Tablets, 200 mg, or Oral Suspension 200 mg/5 ml 1–2 years: 50 mg three times daily 3–6 years: 100 mg twice daily 7–9 years: 100 mg three times daily 10–17 years: 200 mg three times daily Avoid alcohol during treatment and for at least 48 hours after stopping. Do not prescribe for patients taking warfarin. Not licensed under 1 year.

Checks before issuing

  • Confirm indication.
  • Warn about alcohol interaction.
  • Check interactions, especially anticoagulants.
  • Review at 3 days.

Pericoronitis / NUG — metronidazole

Where systemic involvement or persistent swelling remains despite local treatment.

Bacterial · Antibiotic

Prescription wording

ADULT Metronidazole Tablets, 400 mg Send: 9 tablets Label: 1 tablet three times daily CHILDREN Metronidazole Tablets, 200 mg, or Oral Suspension 200 mg/5 ml 1–2 years: 50 mg three times daily 3–6 years: 100 mg twice daily 7–9 years: 100 mg three times daily 10–17 years: 200 mg three times daily Avoid alcohol during treatment and for at least 48 hours after stopping. Do not prescribe for patients taking warfarin. Not licensed under 1 year.

Checks before issuing

  • Local debridement/irrigation and oral hygiene first.
  • Check interactions and medical history.
  • Escalate if spreading infection or systemic involvement.

Sinusitis — amoxicillin

For persistent/severe symptoms where dental assessment supports antibiotic treatment.

Bacterial · Antibiotic

Prescription wording

ADULT Amoxicillin Capsules, 500 mg Send: 15 capsules Label: 1 capsule three times daily CHILDREN Amoxicillin Capsules, 250 mg, or Oral Suspension 125 mg/5 ml or 250 mg/5 ml 6–11 months: 125 mg three times daily 1–4 years: 250 mg three times daily 5–11 years: 500 mg three times daily 12–17 years: 500 mg three times daily Severe infection: adult and age 12–17 dose may be doubled; age 6 months–11 years up to 30 mg/kg, max 1 g, three times daily.

Checks before issuing

  • Confirm dental relevance and indication.
  • Check penicillin allergy.
  • Follow local antimicrobial policy.

Odontogenic pain — paracetamol

Short-term analgesia while definitive dental treatment is arranged.

Pain · Analgesic

Prescription wording

ADULT Paracetamol Tablets, 500 mg Send: 40 tablets Label: 2 tablets four times daily CHILDREN Paracetamol Tablets/Soluble Tablets 500 mg, or Oral Suspension 120 mg/5 ml or 250 mg/5 ml 6–23 months: 120 mg four times daily; max 4 doses/24 h 2–3 years: 180 mg four times daily; max 4 doses/24 h 4–5 years: 240 mg four times daily; max 4 doses/24 h 6–7 years: 240–250 mg four times daily; max 4 doses/24 h 8–9 years: 360–375 mg four times daily; max 4 doses/24 h 10–11 years: 480–500 mg four times daily; max 4 doses/24 h 12–15 years: 480–750 mg four times daily; max 4 doses/24 h 16–17 years: 500 mg–1 g four times daily; max 4 doses/24 h

Checks before issuing

  • Check liver disease, alcohol dependence and low body weight risk.
  • Check other paracetamol-containing medicines.
  • Treat the dental cause.

Odontogenic pain — ibuprofen

NSAID analgesic option if suitable for the patient.

Pain · Analgesic

Prescription wording

ADULT Ibuprofen Tablets, 400 mg Send: 20 tablets Label: 1 tablet four times daily, preferably after food CHILDREN Ibuprofen Oral Suspension 100 mg/5 ml or Tablets 200 mg 6–11 months: 50 mg four times daily, preferably after food 1–3 years: 100 mg three times daily, preferably after food 4–6 years: 150 mg three times daily, preferably after food 7–9 years: 200 mg three times daily, preferably after food 10–11 years: 300 mg three times daily, preferably after food 12–17 years: 300–400 mg four times daily, preferably after food Maximum child dose: 30 mg/kg/day; age 7+ not exceeding 2.4 g daily.

Checks before issuing

  • Avoid/seek advice in NSAID allergy, active peptic ulcer, severe heart failure, severe renal disease, anticoagulants, significant asthma sensitivity, and pregnancy especially after 20 weeks.
  • Do not combine with another NSAID.

Odontogenic pain — aspirin

Analgesic option only where suitable.

Pain · Analgesic

Prescription wording

Aspirin 300 mg tablets Take TWO tablets every 4 to 6 hours when required Maximum 12 tablets in 24 hours

Checks before issuing

  • Check age.
  • Check bleeding risk, anticoagulants, asthma/NSAID sensitivity and gastric ulcer history.
  • Do not combine with another NSAID.

Odontogenic pain — diclofenac

NSAID option only when appropriate and after checking cardiovascular/GI/renal risk.

Pain · Analgesic

Prescription wording

Diclofenac sodium 50 mg tablets Take ONE tablet three times daily when required after food

Checks before issuing

  • Check cardiovascular disease/risk, renal disease, GI ulcer/bleeding, asthma/NSAID sensitivity and interactions.
  • Use lowest effective dose for shortest time.

Emergency drug stock list

Core medical emergency drugs/equipment check.

Emergency · Practice safety

Stock wording

Emergency drugs/equipment check: Adrenaline 1:1000 injection Aspirin 300 mg dispersible tablets Glucagon injection GTN spray 400 micrograms/dose Midazolam oromucosal solution 5 mg/ml Oral glucose Oxygen cylinder Salbutamol inhaler 100 micrograms/actuation

Checks before issuing

  • Check expiry dates and weekly log.
  • Ensure all team members know location.
  • Controlled drug requirements apply to midazolam.

Anaphylaxis — adrenaline IM

Emergency action item for suspected anaphylaxis.

Emergency

Emergency wording

Adrenaline 1:1000 injection for intramuscular use Follow current medical emergency protocol and age-appropriate dose chart Call 999

Checks

  • Use current emergency dose chart.
  • Call 999.
  • Monitor airway, breathing and circulation.

Asthma attack — salbutamol

Emergency action item for acute asthma symptoms.

Emergency

Emergency wording

Salbutamol inhaler 100 micrograms/actuation Use via spacer according to current medical emergency protocol Call 999 if severe or not responding

Checks

  • Assess severity.
  • Use spacer where available.
  • Call 999 if severe, exhausted, cyanosed, silent chest or not responding.

Cardiac chest pain — GTN / aspirin

Emergency action item for suspected angina or myocardial infarction.

Emergency

Emergency wording

GTN spray 400 micrograms/dose as per emergency protocol Aspirin 300 mg dispersible tablet if myocardial infarction suspected and not contraindicated Call 999

Checks

  • Check allergy/contraindication to aspirin.
  • Call 999 for suspected myocardial infarction.
  • Monitor vital signs.

Epileptic seizure — midazolam

Emergency action item for prolonged seizure according to protocol.

Emergency

Emergency wording

Midazolam oromucosal solution 5 mg/ml Use according to current medical emergency protocol and dose chart Call 999 if indicated

Checks

  • Use current emergency dose chart.
  • Protect from injury.
  • Controlled drug governance applies.

Hypoglycaemia — glucose / glucagon

Emergency action item for suspected hypoglycaemia.

Emergency

Emergency wording

Oral glucose if conscious and able to swallow Glucagon injection if required according to current emergency protocol Call 999 if not recovering or unconscious

Checks

  • Check consciousness and ability to swallow.
  • Do not give oral intake if unconscious.
  • Monitor recovery and call 999 if not improving.

Anxiety premedication — diazepam

Premedication only; not a definitive sedation technique.

Anxiety · Controlled medicine

Prescription wording

Diazepam 5 mg tablets Send: ONE tablet Label: Take ONE tablet 2 hours before procedure

Checks before issuing

  • Minimum number of tablets only.
  • Not recommended for children due to unpredictable effect.
  • Halve adult dose for elderly or debilitated patients.
  • Dose may be increased to 10 mg if dentist decides necessary.

Candidosis — miconazole oral gel

Topical treatment for mild/localised oral candidosis where suitable.

Fungal · Antifungal

Prescription wording

Miconazole oral gel Apply as directed after food Continue treatment for 7 days after lesions have healed

Checks before issuing

  • Avoid/use caution with warfarin, statins and relevant interactions.
  • Manage predisposing factors where possible.
  • Refer if immunocompromised, severe, persistent or unexplained.

Candidosis — nystatin oral suspension

Alternative topical antifungal where miconazole is contraindicated.

Fungal · Antifungal

Prescription wording

Nystatin oral suspension Use as directed four times daily after food Continue for 48 hours after lesions have resolved

Checks before issuing

  • Use if miconazole unsuitable.
  • Compliance can be affected by taste.
  • Review response and refer if persistent.

Candidosis — fluconazole

For severe/extensive infection or where topical treatment is unsuitable/ineffective.

Fungal · Antifungal

Prescription wording

Fluconazole capsules Prescribe only after interaction and contraindication check Dose/duration to be confirmed against current guidance

Checks before issuing

  • Do not use without checking interactions.
  • Important interactions include warfarin and statins.
  • Refer immunocompromised or non-responding patients.

Denture stomatitis

Manage denture hygiene/local factors; antifungal where indicated.

Fungal

Action wording

Denture stomatitis management Remove denture at night Clean/disinfect denture as instructed Consider topical antifungal if indicated

Checks

  • Check denture trauma and hygiene.
  • Consider candidal infection.
  • Review fit and local factors.

Angular cheilitis

Treat underlying cause and candidal/staphylococcal involvement where indicated.

Fungal

Action wording

Angular cheilitis management Identify and manage local/systemic predisposing factors Prescribe topical treatment as clinically indicated

Checks

  • Check denture vertical dimension, saliva, nutrition, diabetes, anaemia.
  • Consider mixed infection.
  • Refer persistent cases.

Herpes simplex gingivostomatitis

Usually managed with symptomatic relief; severe cases may require systemic antiviral.

Viral

Action wording

Supportive care: Analgesia as required Fluids and rest Chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide mouthwash if toothbrushing is painful Consider aciclovir for severe infection as directed

Checks

  • Refer immunocompromised patients with severe infection to hospital.
  • Systemic aciclovir only where indicated.
  • Give analgesics regularly.

Herpes labialis — cold sores

Mild cold sores in non-immunocompromised patients may use topical aciclovir.

Viral

Prescription wording

Aciclovir cream Apply as directed at the earliest stage of symptoms

Checks

  • Check immunocompromised status.
  • Refer severe or recurrent cases where appropriate.

Varicella zoster — shingles

Dental relevance includes facial/oral presentations; urgent medical referral may be required.

Viral

Action wording

Suspected shingles Assess distribution and eye involvement Refer to GP/urgent care as appropriate Antiviral prescribing to be confirmed against current guidance

Checks

  • Check ophthalmic involvement.
  • Check immunocompromised status.
  • Refer according to urgency.

Simple mouthwash — saline

Symptomatic/local measure for ulceration and inflammation.

Mucosal care

Advice wording

Warm salty mouthwash Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water Rinse as directed and spit out

Checks

  • Establish diagnosis.
  • Review ulcers.
  • Any ulcer persisting more than 3 weeks requires referral/biopsy.

Antimicrobial mouthwash — chlorhexidine

Plaque control / secondary infection control when brushing is difficult.

Mucosal · Mouthwash

Prescription wording

Chlorhexidine mouthwash Use as directed Separate from toothpaste use

Checks

  • Check allergy/sensitivity.
  • Short-term use unless otherwise indicated.
  • Reinforce oral hygiene/local measures.

Local analgesic — benzydamine

Symptomatic relief for painful oral ulceration/inflammation.

Mucosal pain

Prescription wording

Benzydamine mouthwash or spray Use as directed for oral discomfort

Checks

  • Symptomatic treatment only.
  • Establish diagnosis.
  • Refer persistent ulcers over 3 weeks.

Dry mouth — artificial saliva

Symptomatic relief for xerostomia due to reduced salivary function.

Dry mouth

Prescription wording

Artificial saliva preparation Use as directed when required for dry mouth symptoms

Checks

  • Identify cause where possible.
  • Prescribe topical fluoride where caries risk is increased.
  • Some preparations have prescribing restrictions.

Dry mouth — saliva lubricant gel

May provide longer relief where saliva production is considerably reduced.

Dry mouth

Prescription wording

Saliva lubricant gel Apply to oral mucosa as directed, especially before sleep

Checks

  • Assess caries risk.
  • Topical fluoride and dietary advice should be considered.
  • Check local prescribing restrictions.

Fluoride toothpaste 2800 ppm

For increased caries risk when prescribed by dentist.

Caries prevention

Prescription wording

ADULT Sodium Fluoride Toothpaste, 0.619% (2800 ppm) Send: 75 ml Label: Brush teeth for 1 minute after meals using 1 cm, before spitting out, twice daily CHILDREN Under 10 years: not indicated because of swallowing/poisoning risk 10 years and over: as for adults Advise: avoid rinsing, drinking or eating for 30 minutes after use.

Checks

  • Confirm age suitability and caries risk.
  • Check whether 2800 ppm or 5000 ppm intended.

Fluoride toothpaste 5000 ppm

For high caries risk when prescribed by dentist.

Caries prevention

Prescription wording

ADULT Sodium Fluoride Toothpaste, 1.1% (5000 ppm) Send: 51 g Label: Brush teeth for 3 minutes after meals using 2 cm, before spitting out, three times daily CHILDREN Under 16 years: not indicated because of swallowing/poisoning risk 16 years and over: as for adults Advise: avoid rinsing, drinking or eating for 30 minutes after use.

Checks

  • Confirm age suitability and high caries risk.
  • Check local prescribing criteria.

Fluoride mouthwash 0.05%

Additional topical fluoride where appropriate.

Caries prevention

Prescription wording

ADULT Sodium Fluoride Mouthwash, 0.05% Send: 250 ml Label: Rinse mouth once daily with 10 ml for 1 minute and spit out, preferably at a different time from brushing CHILDREN Under 6 years: not indicated because of swallowing/poisoning risk 6 years and over: as for adults Advise: avoid rinsing, drinking or eating for 15 minutes after use.

Checks

  • Check age/suitability.
  • Avoid rinsing immediately after brushing with fluoride toothpaste.

Second-line abscess — clindamycin

If first-line amoxicillin or metronidazole has failed, or severe infection with spreading cellulitis; consider referral/specialist advice.

Bacterial · Second-line antibiotic

Prescription wording

ADULT Clindamycin Capsules, 150 mg Send: 20 capsules Label: 1 capsule four times daily, swallowed with water CHILDREN 12–17 years: as for adults Advise: swallow capsule with a glass of water. Stop immediately and seek advice if diarrhoea or colitis develops.

Checks before issuing

  • Second-line only; check diagnosis and consider referral/specialist advice.
  • Do not prescribe to patients with diarrhoeal states.
  • Clindamycin can cause antibiotic-associated colitis.

Second-line abscess — co-amoxiclav

For severe dental infection with spreading cellulitis or infection not responding to first-line antibacterial treatment.

Bacterial · Second-line antibiotic

Prescription wording

ADULT Co-amoxiclav 375 mg (250/125 mg) Tablets Send: 15 tablets Label: 1 tablet three times daily CHILDREN 12–17 years: as for adults Note: 375 mg tablet = amoxicillin 250 mg + clavulanic acid 125 mg.

Checks before issuing

  • Second-line only; check diagnosis and consider referral/specialist advice.
  • Check penicillin allergy.
  • Do not prescribe if history of co-amoxiclav-associated or penicillin-associated jaundice/hepatic dysfunction.
  • Cholestatic jaundice risk is higher in patients over 65 years and in men.

Second-line abscess — clarithromycin

Second-line option where first-line treatment has failed or severe infection with spreading cellulitis; check interactions carefully.

Bacterial · Second-line antibiotic

Prescription wording

ADULT Clarithromycin Tablets, 250 mg Send: 14 tablets Label: 1 tablet two times daily CHILDREN Clarithromycin Tablets 250 mg, or Oral Suspension 125 mg/5 ml or 250 mg/5 ml 1–11 years, body weight 8–11 kg: 62.5 mg two times daily 1–11 years, body weight 12–19 kg: 125 mg two times daily 1–11 years, body weight 20–29 kg: 187.5 mg two times daily 1–11 years, body weight 30–40 kg: 250 mg two times daily 12–17 years: 250 mg two times daily Note: clarithromycin tablets are not licensed in children under 12 years.

Checks before issuing

  • Second-line only; check diagnosis and consider referral/specialist advice.
  • Use with caution with QT prolongation risk, electrolyte disturbance, hepatic impairment or renal impairment.
  • Do not prescribe for pregnant women or nursing mothers.
  • Do not prescribe to patients taking warfarin or statins.

Dental Practitioners’ Formulary index

Preparations approved for dental prescribing. This index is searchable; dose panels are provided separately where SDCEP gives dental prescribing guidance.

FP10D / GP14 / WP10D
AciclovirCream; oral suspension 200 mg/5 mL; tablets 200 mg, 800 mg
AmoxicillinCapsules; oral powder; oral suspension
Artificial salivaGel, oral spray, pastilles, protective spray, substitute spray and approved ACBS substitutes
AspirinDispersible tablets
AzithromycinCapsules 250 mg; oral suspension 200 mg/5 mL; tablets 250 mg, 500 mg
BeclometasonePressurised inhalation 50 micrograms/metered inhalation, CFC-free
BenzydamineMouthwash 0.15%; oromucosal spray 0.15%
BetamethasoneSoluble tablets 500 micrograms
CarbamazepineTablets
CefalexinCapsules; oral suspension; tablets
CefradineCapsules
CetirizineOral solution 5 mg/5 mL; tablets 10 mg
ChlorhexidineGluconate gel; mouthwash; oral spray
ChlorphenamineOral solution; tablets
Choline salicylateDental gel
ClarithromycinOral suspension 125/5 mL, 250/5 mL; tablets
ClindamycinCapsules
Co-amoxiclavTablets 250/125; oral suspension 125/31 and 250/62 per 5 mL
DiazepamOral solution 2 mg/5 mL; tablets
Diclofenac sodiumGastro-resistant tablets
DihydrocodeineTablets 30 mg
DoxycyclineDispersible tablets; capsules 100 mg; tablets 20 mg
EphedrineNasal drops
ErythromycinEthyl succinate oral suspension/tablets; stearate tablets; gastro-resistant tablets
FluconazoleCapsules 50 mg; oral suspension 50 mg/5 mL
HydrocortisoneCream 1%; oromucosal tablets
Hydrogen peroxideMouthwash 6%
IbuprofenSugar-free oral suspension; tablets
LansoprazoleGastro-resistant capsules
LidocaineOintment 5%; spray 10%
LoratadineSyrup 5 mg/5 mL; tablets 10 mg
Menthol and eucalyptusInhalation
MetronidazoleOral suspension; tablets
MiconazoleCream; oromucosal gel; with hydrocortisone cream/ointment
NystatinOral suspension
OmeprazoleGastro-resistant capsules
OxytetracyclineTablets
ParacetamolOral suspension; tablets; soluble tablets
PhenoxymethylpenicillinOral solution; tablets
PromethazineTablets; oral solution
Saliva stimulating tabletsSST-type saliva stimulating tablets
Sodium chlorideCompound mouthwash
Sodium fluorideMouthwash; oral drops; tablets; toothpaste 0.619% and 1.1%
Sodium fusidateOintment
TemazepamOral solution; tablets
TetracyclineTablets
Dentist must confirm the diagnosis, medicine, dose, frequency, duration and suitability before the prescription is issued.
© Dental Hub Tools · Dr Haider Al-Saffar
For healthcare professionals only · Not a substitute for clinical judgement. Local quick-reference interface based on SDCEP Drug Prescribing for Dentistry structure. Verify against current SDCEP, BNF/BNFC and local governance before clinical use.