Rodogyl antibiotic for dental use

June 06, 2021

  

The oral cavity is a hub for many microorganisms. It is the environment of the oral cavity that favors the growth of certain species that are detrimental to oral health. The growth of these microbes is further enhanced by dietary intake and habits like consumption of tobacco and smoking. In order to break the chain of the proliferation of these microbes and to decrease their effect, dentists advise us to brush and floss daily.

Toothbrushing and flossing twice a day can help in reducing the number of pathogens to a great extent. However, certain species start to proliferate again minutes after we have brushed our teeth. This happens when oral hygiene maintenance is deficient, improper or infrequent. People with compromised immunity are further exposed to the development of infections of the oral cavity. It is represented by inflammation of gums, decayed teeth and weakening of the tissues supporting the tooth.

When plaque and calculus accumulate, regular toothbrushing might not be enough to counter the inflammation. A scaling procedure at the dentist can help in efficient cleaning of the teeth by complete removal of plaque and calculus. In severe cases of infection, even this might not be a permanent solution for the patient's poor oral health. After 2 to 3 months, the patient might again develop inflammation of the tissues. In such a case, certain medications are prescribed that can act as adjunctive treatments. One such antibiotic combination is Rodogyl.

Rodogyl is a combination of metronidazole and Spiramycin. It helps in countering bacterial infections of the mouth, cardiac system, skin, respiratory tract, etc. Periodontitis is a condition where inflammation of the periodontium occurs. The periodontium is a group of tissues surrounding the tooth structure that supports it. Periodontitis affects the gums and the underlying bone. A range of microbial species are involved in the development of periodontitis. Drugs like Spiramycin and metronidazole are broad-spectrum in nature, and thus are effective against multiple pathogens.

Spiramycin belongs to the macrolide group of antibiotics. It is effective in treating periodontal infections and is also retained in the oral fluids for longer periods of time. This means that this drug will be present in the saliva, gingival crevicular fluids and surrounding tissues for prolonged periods and continue to defend the mouth against re-infection. Most of the microorganisms that cause periodontal infections can survive in the absence of oxygen. These bacterial species are eliminated by metronidazole. Metronidazole along with Spiramycin has a synergistic effect against a range of infections.

Many precautions need to be taken when a patient is prescribed Rodogyl. In patients with liver disease, Rodogyl must be avoided. It is not recommended for patients under the age of 18 to consume Rodogyl. During the consumption of Rodogyl, the patient's urine might stain darker. The patient should not panic upon witnessing this as most of the drug is excreted through urine. Alcohol consumption must be avoided when Rodogyl is consumed. If consumed, the patient can suffer from abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting and sudden rush of blood to the face. Rodogyl can cross the placental barrier easily. Hence, pregnant patients must avoid its consumption.

The commonly seen side-effects of Rodogyl are nausea, vomiting, metallic taste in mouth, burning sensation upon urination, insomnia, irritability and skin rashes. These effects can also be seen if certain classes of anti-coagulants, lithium, cyclosporine, disulfiram and phenytoin are taken along with the Rodogyl.

Rodogyl contains 125 mg of Metronidazole and 750000 UI of Spiramycin. It is available in the form of tablets and is available as a pack of 20 tablets. Adults can take 250-750mg of the drug 3-4 times a day. Even though it is rarely prescribed for children below 12 years of age, this drug can be given 5-16mg/kg, thrice a day. An overdose of Rodogyl can cause fatal complications like seizures and peripheral neuropathy. Patients should immediately opt for emergency services should such complications occur.

Rodogyl is a proven combination of antibiotics that can help in preventing the spread of periodontal disease. However, the consumption of the drug alone won't satisfy the goal and a visit to the dentist for mechanical debridement of the noxious agents is a must. This medication has its own benefits and side-effects and must not be consumed by the patient without proper consultation with their doctors.

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