Can I take an antibiotic

[Losgann]

meant for my husband? I mean does it go by weight or anything?

He had an abcessed tooth removed a month or so ago and has some antibiotic left over. Now I have the same problem, only I have a huge phobia for dentists.

Anyway, this really hurts. It's clindamycin 150 mg. Can I take it?

Thanks!!

[Nora'sMama]

I wouldn't take it - get thee to a dentist. An abcess is nothing to mess with. Call a dentist and tell them it is an emergency and they should be able to call in a prescription for you without seeing you, especially if they have seen you before. That's what my dentist did for me when I had pulpitis recently.

But eventually you'll have to see a dentist. I hate it too. But there are good, gentle dentists out there - try the Tribal Areas forum for your area to see if any MDC'ers can recommend one.

[Losgann]

Originally Posted by Nora'sMama

I wouldn't take it - get thee to a dentist. An abcess is nothing to mess with. Call a dentist and tell them it is an emergency and they should be able to call in a prescription for you without seeing you, especially if they have seen you before. That's what my dentist did for me when I had pulpitis recently.

But eventually you'll have to see a dentist. I hate it too. But there are good, gentle dentists out there - try the Tribal Areas forum for your area to see if any MDC'ers can recommend one.

Thanks Norasmama.. I am really really really scared of going. Like, panic attacks at the thought. If there was only a way I can go in unconscious for the exam! I'm a HUGE chicken when it comes to the dentist!! I'll check out the tribes area though.

I dont' wanna go to the dentist! :

[TCMoulton]

My dad had an abcessa few months back and didn't take all of the antibiotics and when my mom got one last month she called the dentist and he said it was fine for her to take the same dose (he is 200 lbs and she is 110) so I would bet that it would be fine but you could call your dentist or pharmacist to be sure.

[E.V. Lowi]

I never recommend using drugs when there is a natural alternative, but in this case-- Ask the dentist for some Valium. It's meant to be used in situations like this. That abcess can give you septic shock and is nothing you want to put off.

[mamajama]

Originally Posted by E.V. Lowi

I never recommend using drugs when there is a natural alternative, but in this case-- Ask the dentist for some Valium. It's meant to be used in situations like this. That abcess can give you septic shock and is nothing you want to put off.

I totally agree.

People should really be completing their run of antibiotics as well. It is never good to dose yourself on someone else's. Not completing the run can lead to a far greater infection than the one being averted, and also using saved medication may be pointless or even dangerous passed the expiry date. I hope things get better for you soon. When you do go in to the dentist, let them know you have a phobia. Telling them will help alleviate some of your fear. There are many people with dentist phobias and the staff there should be understanding and helpful. If they're not, go somewhere else. Good Luck!

[Nora'sMama]

Losgann, I feel your pain, I really do. I didn't go to the dentist for years because of fear, but finally had issues similar to yours that were actually painful so I HAD to go.

Try looking in the phone book for dentists that advertise sedation...there used to be tons in the college town I went to...I think they were hoping that some college partiers would see the prominent banner ad saying "WE HAVE NITROUS OXIDE" and make an appointment just to have their teeth cleaned!