Start practicing

Pharmacology · single question

If the dentist prescribes an antibiotic for this pregnant patient, which should be given?

  1. Cephalexin 500 mg three times a day for a week
  2. Amoxicillin 500 mg three times a day for a week
  3. Clindamycin 300 mg three times a day for a week
  4. Doxycycline 100 mg twice a day for a week
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Amoxicillin 500 mg three times a day for a week

  • A. Cephalexin is reasonably safe but amoxicillin is the standard first-line dental antibiotic in pregnancy.
  • B. Correct. Amoxicillin (penicillin class) is the preferred, well-established first-line antibiotic for odontogenic infection in pregnancy.
  • C. Clindamycin is the alternative for penicillin-allergic patients, not the first choice here.
  • D. Doxycycline (a tetracycline) is contraindicated in pregnancy — it causes tooth discoloration and affects fetal bone.

Practice Pharmacology questions Pharmacology study notes

More Pharmacology practice questions