Amoxicillin and INR

[Gail in Ca]

Recentlly got a call from the pharmacist filling my Rx for Amox that i take before dental appts.
She said that this antibiotic could affect ones INR (higher) and that it would take a week to have it's effect, and then last 2-3 weeks. No one had told be this before and I assured her that I had my own protime machine and test weekly, so have never had a problem
Just thought I'd pass that along.
Gail

 

[Granbonny]

Gail

Gail

I go every 3 months.for a deep cleaning. Need to keep my gums healthy so they will not bleed.. I have gone 4 times since my surgery. I take 4 500mg an hour before. I have tested 3 days later. Nothing same range. And always test 2-3 weeks for check. Same range.( Taking Amox) Bonnie

 

[RobThatsMe]

Hi Gail,

I test weekly and take Amox. when I go to the dentist also. I have not noticed any major INR swings. Testing weekly, I make my adjustments to keep me in range as needed, never really get too far out before I pull it back into normal range.

Test prior to taking it if you have a home testing unit, and then test 3 days after your dental appointment.

Rob

 

[Ross]

The Penicillin family of antibiotics don't really affect your INR. Now others (mycins) Biaxin do. Amoxicillin shouldn't have any effect on your INR.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

I had NO problem with Amoxicillin UNTIL the last time when my skin was tingling for 3 weeks afterward and was also sensitive to fabrics treated with Scotchguard such as my old recliner. Finally, my allergist suggested taking Nystatin and after a week my symptoms abated.

Next time, my PCP suggested taking Zpak which is Azithromycin. So now I guess I will need to monitor my INR closely too. It never ends

'Al'

 

[JimChicago]

As a newbie, I would like to ask how important is that with mechanical valves one gets antibiotics when going to the dentist? I'll be needding to go to the dentist eventually - do I have to insist on antibiotics or is it OK to go without for cavityfillings etc.?

 

[Creed3]

Jim,
It is very important that you take an antibiotic before you let a dentist even get in there to do anything. Even if they say they are just going to look around. Mine told me I most definately had to take antibiotics before he did anything, but for one visit he said I didn't need anything because all he was going to do was look around and not do anything. He was looking alright and the little hook scraped my gum a little bit and bled some. I was a basket case because I hadn't taken my antibiotics. I asked him about it again after the appt and he said that he didn't do anything. I then called my cardio and they said that I should have antibiotics whenever I go to the dentist and open my mouth. I was lucky because I didn't bleed much more than if I were brushing my teeth or flossing, but you just can't take that chance.

Take Care!
Gail

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Bacterial Endocarditis can result from bacteria in the mouth entering the blood stream and settling in one or more of your heart valves. This is NOT GOOD !

To learn more about Bacterial endocarditis, go to the American Heart Association web site (www.americanheart.org) and do a search for a paper entitled Prevention of Bacterial Endocarditis under Scientific Statements.

At the end of this paper are antibiotic protocols. Amoxicillin is the standard approach. Alternatives are listed for people who are allergic to penecillin or are unable to take oral medications.

If you still question whether you need to take antibiotics,
I recommend the book by Lewis Grizzard entitled
"I Took a Lickin' and Kept on Tickin' " It's a humorous but informative tale of his Valve Replacement Surgery.

He died after his third valve replacement surgery. Something about developing Bacterial Endocarditis from an abcessed tooth while on a trip to Russia.

'AL'

 

[ccrawford]

Sometimes, dentists will prescribe erythromycin which will work ok but it definately will send your INR skyward. What's worse, sometimes they forget to do anything to protect you -- IT IS UP TO THE PATIENT TO PROTECT HIMSELF/HERSELF. Don't let your guard down !!! You can figure out who was right or wrong in a court of law (or your heirs can) but If you want to see a few more sunrises and sunsets, please don't forget to protect yourself from endocarditis. Chris