A recent retrospective, multi-centric, observational, real-world electronic medical record-based study has shed light on the effectiveness of Cephalexin-Clavulanic acid fixed-dose combination (FDC) in alleviating dental infections. The study involved a retrospective analysis of electronic medical records (EMRs) from adults battling dental infections. The EMRs of 355 adult patients diagnosed with dental infections and receiving either oral Cephalexin-Clavulanic acid FDC, Amoxicillin-Clavulanic acid FDC (Co-amoxiclav), or Cefuroxime were sorted into two separate groups.

Group I (Test group) comprised subjects who were prescribed Cephalexin extended-release at doses of 375/750 mg in combination with Clavulanic acid at 125 mg. Group II (Comparator group) consisted of subjects who were prescribed either Co-Amoxiclav at a dose of 625 mg (comprising 500 mg Amoxicillin and 125 mg Clavulanic acid) or Cefuroxime at doses of 250 mg/500 mg.

Clinical improvement, marked as the resolution of infection-linked signs and symptoms (composite measure of pain, swelling, fever, need for additional antimicrobial therapy), was recorded within ten days of treatment initiation.

The findings revealed that toothache was the most common complaint (95%) among patients, followed by swelling (46.8%), tooth sensitivity (35.5%), pus discharge (33%), redness (30.4%), and halitosis (30.4%). In 81.1% of cases, dental caries were witnessed. Clinical improvement was comparable across the three groups. Interestingly, those treated with Cephalexin-Clavulanic acid FDC displayed a faster time to clinical improvement compared to those receiving Co-amoxiclav or Cefuroxime, as depicted in Table 1:

Importantly, all treatments were well-tolerated by the patients, suggesting favorable tolerability profiles for Cephalexin-Clavulanic acid FDC, Co-amoxiclav, and Cefuroxime. These findings indicate that Cephalexin-Clavulanic acid FDC is as effective as other commonly prescribed antibiotics for dental infections, with the added benefit of faster clinical improvement and resolution of certain symptoms. This study contributes valuable real-world data to inform clinical decision-making in the management of dental infections, potentially guiding treatment practices.