Estimating the cost of inappropriate antibiotic prophylaxis prior to dental procedures

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2023 Nov;44(11):1850-1853. doi: 10.1017/ice.2023.126. Epub 2023 Jul 10.

Abstract

Inappropriate dental antibiotic prescriptions to prevent infective endocarditis in the United States results in ∼$31 million in excess costs to the healthcare system and patients. This includes out-of-pocket costs ($20.5 million), drug costs ($2.69 million) and adverse event costs (eg, Clostridioides difficile and hypersensitivity) of $5.82 million (amoxicillin), $1.99 million (clindamycin), and $380,849 (cephalexin).

MeSH terms

  • Amoxicillin
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antibiotic Prophylaxis / adverse effects
  • Dentistry
  • Endocarditis* / etiology
  • Endocarditis* / prevention & control
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial*
  • Humans
  • United States

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Amoxicillin