SDCEP · Quick reference

Dental prescribing: doses at a glance

The drugs, doses, quantities and directions from the Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme’s Drug Prescribing for Dentistry, laid out by condition and age band so you can find one line without opening a PDF.

11 conditions · reviewed July 2026

For registered dental professionals. This is a summary for quick reference during clinic. It is not a substitute for the current SDCEP guidance or the BNF, and it carries no authority of its own — check both before you prescribe, and check the patient’s medical history, allergies and interactions every time. Where this page and the source guidance differ, the source governs.

Anxiety

Drug prescribed

  • Diazepam 5mg, 1 tablet. Take 1 tablet 2 hours before procedure

    Advised the patient they will require a responsible, adult escort for their appointment and they should not drive for at least 24 hours.

  • Diazepam 10mg, 1 tablet. Take 1 tablet 2 hours before procedure

    Advised the patient they will require a responsible, adult escort for their appointment and they should not drive for at least 24 hours.

Sinusitis

Adults (18 and over)

Drug prescribed

  • Ephedrine nasal drops 0.5% 10ml, 1 drop into each nostril up to three times daily when required

  • Amoxicillin 500mg, 21 capsules, 1 capsule three times daily

  • Doxycycline 100mg, 8 capsules, take 2 capsules on the first day followed by 1 capsule daily

12–17 years

Drug prescribed

  • Ephedrine nasal drops 0.5% 10ml, 1 drop into each nostril up to three times daily when required

  • Amoxicillin 500mg, 21 capsules, 1 capsule three times daily

  • Doxycycline 100mg, 8 capsules, take 2 capsules on the first day followed by 1 capsule daily

5-11

Drug prescribed

  • Amoxicillin 250mg/5ml SF oral suspension, 10ml three times daily

1-4

Drug prescribed

  • Amoxicillin 250mg/5ml SF oral suspension, 5ml three times daily

6-11 months

Drug prescribed

  • Amoxicillin 125mg/5ml SF oral suspension, 5ml three times daily

Dental abscess

Adults (18 and over)

1st line drug prescribed

  • Amoxicillin 500mg, 15 capsules, 1 capsule three times daily

  • Metronidazole 400mg, 15 tablets, 1 tablet three times daily

  • Phenoxymethylpenicillin 250mg, 40 tablets, 2 tablets four times daily

2nd line drug prescribed

  • Clindamycin 150mg, 20 capsules, 1 capsule four times daily swallowed with water

    Advised patient to discontinue use immediately if diarrhoea or colitis develops

  • Co-amoxiclav 250/125, 15 tablets, 1 tablet three times daily

  • Clarithromycin 250mg, 14 tablets, 1 tablet two times daily

12–17 years

1st line drug prescribed

  • Amoxicillin 500mg, 15 tablets, 1 tablet three times daily

  • Metronidazole 200mg, 15 tablets, 1 tablet three times daily

  • Phenoxymethylpenicillin 250mg/5ml SF oral suspension, 10ml four times daily

2nd line drug prescribed

  • Clindamycin 150mg, 20 capsules, 1 capsule four times daily swallowed with water

    Advised patient to discontinue use immediately if diarrhoea or colitis develops

  • Co-amoxiclav 250/125mg, 15 tablets, 1 tablet three times daily

  • Clarithromycin 250mg, 14 tablets, 1 tablet two times daily

10-11 years

1st line drug prescribed

  • Amoxicillin 250mg/5ml SF oral suspension, 10ml three times daily

  • Metronidazole 200mg, 15 tablets, 1 tablet three times daily

  • Phenoxymethylpenicillin 250mg/5ml SF oral suspension, 5ml four times daily

2nd line drug prescribed

  • Clarithromycin 125-250mg (depending on weight), 14 tablets, 1 tablet two times daily

1-9 years

1st line drug prescribed

  • Amoxicillin 250mg/5ml SF oral suspension, 5ml three times daily

  • Metronidazole 200mg/5ml SF oral suspension, 1.25ml three times daily

  • Phenoxymethylpenicillin 125mg/5ml SF oral suspension, 5ml four times daily

2nd line drug prescribed

  • Clarithromycin 125-250mg (depending on weight), 14 tablets, 1 tablet two times daily

6-11 months

Drug prescribed

  • Amoxicillin 125mg/5ml SF oral suspension, 5ml three times daily

  • Phenoxymethylpenicillin 125mg/5ml, 2.5ml four times daily

NUG & pericoronitis

18+ yrs

Drug prescribed

  • Metronidazole 400mg, 9 tablets, 1 tablet three times daily

  • Amoxicillin 500mg, 9 tablets, 1 tablet three times daily

12-17 yrs

Drug prescribed

  • Metronidazole 200mg, 9 tablets, 1 tablet three times daily

  • Amoxicillin 500mg, 9 tablets, 1 tablet three times daily

10-11 yrs

Drug prescribed

  • Metronidazole 200mg, 9 tablets, 1 tablet three times daily

  • Amoxicillin 250mg/5ml SF oral suspension, 10ml three times daily

7-9 yrs

Drug prescribed

  • Metronidazole 200mg/5ml SF oral suspension, 2.5ml three times daily

  • Amoxicillin 250mg/5ml SF oral suspension, 10ml three times daily

5-6

Drug prescribed

  • Metronidazole 200mg/5ml SF oral suspension, 2.5ml twice daily

  • Amoxicillin 250mg/5ml SF oral suspension, 10ml three times daily

3-4

Drug prescribed

  • Metronidazole 200mg/5ml SF oral suspension, 2.5ml two times daily

  • Amoxicillin 250mg/5ml SF oral suspension, 5ml three times daily

1-2

Drug prescribed

  • Metronidazole 200mg/5ml SF oral suspension, 1.25ml three times daily

  • Amoxicillin 250mg/5ml SF oral suspension, 5ml three times daily

6-11 months

Drug prescribed

  • Amoxicillin 125mg/5ml SF oral suspension, 5ml three times daily

Fungal infection

Candidosis

Adults (18 and over)

Drug prescribed

  • Fluconazole 50mg, 7 capsules, 1 capsule daily

  • Miconazole oromucosal gel SF 20mg/g, 80g tube, apply a pea sized amount after food four times daily. Continue to use 7 days after lesions have healed.

  • Nystatin oral suspension 100,000 units/ml, 30ml bottle, 1ml after food four times daily for 7 days, remove dentures before using, rinse around mouth then retain suspension near lesion for 5 minutes before swallowing. Continue to use 48 hours after lesions have healed.

12–17 years

Drug prescribed

  • Fluconazole 50mg, 7 capsules, 1 capsule daily

  • Miconazole oromucosal gel SF 20mg/g, 80g tube, Apply a pea-sized amount after food four times daily. Continue to use 7 days after lesions have healed

  • Nystatin oral suspension 100,000 units/ml, 30ml, 1ml after food four times daily for 7 days. Remove dentures before using drug, rinse suspension around mouth and then retain suspension near lesion for 5 minutes before swallowing. Continue to use for 48 hours after lesions have healed.

2-11

Drug prescribed

  • Fluconazole 50mg/5ml oral suspension, 3-6mg/kg on first day then 3mg/kg (max 50mg) daily for 7 days

  • Miconazole oromucosal gel SF 20mg/g, 80g tube, Apply a pea-sized amount after food four times daily. Continue to use 7 days after lesions have healed

  • Nystatin oral suspension 100,000 units/ml, 30ml, 1ml after food four times daily for 7 days. Rinse suspension around mouth and then retain suspension near lesion for 5 minutes before swallowing. Continue to use for 48 hours after lesions have healed.

6-11 months

Drug prescribed

  • Nystatin oral suspension 100,000 units/ml, 30ml, 1ml after food four times daily for 7 days. Rinse suspension around mouth and then retain suspension near lesion for 5 minutes before swallowing. Continue to use for 48 hours after lesions have healed.

Denture stomatitis

Adults (18 and over)

Drug prescribed

  • Fluconazole 50mg, 7 capsules, 1 capsule daily

  • Miconazole oromucosal gel SF 20mg/g, 80g tube, apply a pea sized amount after food four times daily. Continue to use 7 days after lesions have healed.

  • Nystatin oral suspension 100,000 units/ml, 30ml bottle, 1ml after food four times daily for 7 days, remove dentures before using, rinse around mouth then retain suspension near lesion for 5 minutes before swallowing. Continue to use 48 hours after lesions have healed.

12–17 years

Drug prescribed

  • Fluconazole 50mg, 7 capsules, 1 capsule daily

  • Miconazole oromucosal gel SF 20mg/g, 80g tube, Apply a pea-sized amount after food four times daily. Continue to use 7 days after lesions have healed

  • Nystatin oral suspension 100,000 units/ml, 30ml, 1ml after food four times daily for 7 days. Remove dentures before using drug, rinse suspension around mouth and then retain suspension near lesion for 5 minutes before swallowing. Continue to use for 48 hours after lesions have healed.

2-11

Drug prescribed

  • Fluconazole 50mg/5ml oral suspension, 3-6mg/kg on first day then 3mg/kg (max 50mg) daily for 7 days

  • Miconazole oromucosal gel SF 20mg/g, 80g tube, Apply a pea-sized amount after food four times daily. Continue to use 7 days after lesions have healed

  • Nystatin oral suspension 100,000 units/ml, 30ml, 1ml after food four times daily for 7 days. Rinse suspension around mouth and then retain suspension near lesion for 5 minutes before swallowing. Continue to use for 48 hours after lesions have healed.

6-11 months

Drug prescribed

  • Nystatin oral suspension 100,000 units/ml, 30ml, 1ml after food four times daily for 7 days. Rinse suspension around mouth and then retain suspension near lesion for 5 minutes before swallowing. Continue to use for 48 hours after lesions have healed.

Angular cheilitis

Drug prescribed

  • Miconazole cream 2%, 20g tube, Apply to angles of mouth twice daily. Continue to use for 10 days after lesions have healed.

  • Sodium fusidate ointment 2%, 15g tube, apply to angles of mouth twice daily

  • Miconazole (2%) and Hydrocortisone (1%) cream, 30g tube, Apply to angles of mouth twice daily

  • Miconazole (2%) and Hydrocortisone (1%) ointment, 30g tube, Apply to angles of mouth twice daily

Viral infection

Herpes Simplex

Adults (18 and over)

Drug prescribed

  • Chlorhexidine mouthwash 0.2%, 300ml, rinse mouth for 1 minute with 10ml twice daily. Spit out after rinsing and continue using until lesions have resolved.

  • Hydrogen peroxide mouthwash 6%, 300ml, rinse mouth for 2 minutes with 15ml diluted in half a tumbler of warm water three times daily. Spit out after rinsing and continue using until lesions have resolved.

  • Aciclovir 200mg, 25 tablets, 1 tablet 5 times daily.

2-17 years

Drug prescribed

  • Chlorhexidine mouthwash 0.2%, 300ml, rinse mouth for 1 minute with 10ml twice daily. Spit out after rinsing and continue using until lesions have resolved.

  • Hydrogen peroxide mouthwash 6%, 300ml, rinse mouth for 2 minutes with 15ml diluted in half a tumbler of warm water three times daily. Spit out after rinsing and continue using until lesions have resolved.

  • Aciclovir 200mg, 25 tablets, 1 tablet 5 times daily.

6 months-1 year

Drug prescribed

  • Chlorhexidine mouthwash 0.2%, 300ml, rinse mouth for 1 minute with 10ml twice daily. Spit out after rinsing and continue using until lesions have resolved.

  • Hydrogen peroxide mouthwash 6%, 300ml, rinse mouth for 2 minutes with 15ml diluted in half a tumbler of warm water three times daily. Spit out after rinsing and continue using until lesions have resolved.

  • Aciclovir 200mg/5ml oral suspension SF, 100mg five times daily

Herpes Labialis

Drug prescribed

  • Aciclovir cream 5%, 2g, apply to lesion every 4 hours (five times daily) for 5 days

Varicella Zoster (shingles)

Drug prescribed

  • Aciclovir 800mg (shingles treatment pack), 35 tablets, 1 tablet 5 times daily for 7 days

Odontogenic pain

Drug prescribed

  • Diclofenac sodium 50mg, 15 tablets, 1 tablet three times daily

Facial pain

Drug prescribed

  • Carbamazepine 100mg, 20 tablets, 1 tablet twice daily. Space out doses as much as possible throughout day.

Ulceration and inflammation

Antimicrobial mouthwashes

>12 years

Drug prescribed

  • Chlorhexidine mouthwash 0.2%, 300ml, rinse mouth for 1 minute with 10ml twice daily. Spit out mouthwash after rinsing and continue to use until lesions have resolved

  • Hydrogen peroxide mouthwash 6%, 300ml, rinse mouth for 2 minutes with 15ml diluted in half a glass of warm water three times daily. Spit out mouthwash after rinsing and continue to use until lesions have resolved

  • Doxycycline dispersible tablets 100mg, 48 tablets, 1 tablet to be dissolved in water and rinsed around the mouth for 2 minutes four times daily for three days at the onset of ulceration. Spit out mouthwash after rinsing

<12 years

Drug prescribed

  • Chlorhexidine mouthwash 0.2%, 300ml, rinse mouth for 1 minute with 10ml twice daily. Spit out mouthwash after rinsing and continue to use until lesions have resolved

  • Hydrogen peroxide mouthwash 6%, 300ml, rinse mouth for 2 minutes with 15ml diluted in half a glass of warm water three times daily. Spit out mouthwash after rinsing and continue to use until lesions have resolved

Local analgesics

6 years +

Drug prescribed

  • Benzydamine mouthwash 0.15%, 300ml, rinse or gargle using 15ml every 1.5 hours as required.

  • Benzydamine oromucosal spray 0.15%, 30ml, 4 sprays onto affected area every 1.5 hours as required.

  • Lidocaine ointment 5%, 15g tube, rub sparingly and gently onto dried affected area

  • Lidocaine spray 10%, 50ml, apply as necessary with a cotton bud

under 6 years

Drug prescribed

  • Benzydamine oromucosal spray 0.15%, 30ml, 1 spray per 4kg bodyweight up to a max of 4 sprays every 1.5 hours as needed

  • Lidocaine ointment 5%, 15g tube, rub sparingly and gently onto dried affected area

  • Lidocaine spray 10%, 50ml, apply as necessary with a cotton bud

Topical corticosteroids

12+ years

Drug prescribed

  • Clenil Modulite 50micrograms/metered inhalation (beclometasone pressurised inhalation CFC-free), One 200-dose unit, 1-2 puffs directly onto ulcers twice daily

  • Betamethasone 500micrograms soluble tablets, 100 tablets, 1 tablet dissolved in 10ml water as a mouthwash four times daily. Spit out mouthwash after rinsing

  • Hydrocortisone oromucosal tablets 2.5mg, 20 tablets, 1 tablet dissolved next to lesion four times daily

2-12 years

Drug prescribed

  • Clenil Modulite 50micrograms/metered inhalation (beclometasone pressurised inhalation CFC-free), One 200-dose unit, 1-2 puffs directly onto ulcers twice daily

Dry mouth

Artificial saliva

Drug prescribed

  • Artificial saliva gel, 50g, apply to oral mucosa PRN

  • Artificial saliva oral spray SF, 100ml, Spray PRN

  • Artificial saliva pastilles SF, 50 pastilles, 1 pastille sucked PRN

  • AS Saliva Orthana oral spray, 50ml, Spray three times onto oral mucosa PRN

  • BioXtra Gel, 40ml, apply to oral mucosa PRN

  • Glandosane Aerosol spray, 50ml, Sprayed onto oral and pharyngeal mucosa PRN (Not suitable for dentate patients due to pH)

  • Saliva stimulating tablets SF, 100 tablets, 1 tablet sucked PRN

  • Saliveze oral spray, 50ml 1 spray onto oral mucosa PRN

Topical fluoride

Drug prescribed

  • Fluoride toothpaste 0.619% (2800ppm), 75ml, Brush teeth for 1 minute after meals using 1 cm before spitting out twice daily. Avoid rinsing mouth, drinking or eating for 30 minutes after use.

  • Fluoride toothpaste 1.1% (5000ppm), 51g, Brush teeth for 3 minutes after meals using 2 cm before spitting out three times daily. Avoid rinsing mouth, drinking or eating for 30 minutes after use.

  • Fluoride mouthwash 0.05%, 250ml, Rinse mouth once daily with 10ml for 1 minute and spit out preferably at a different time from brushing

Caries

Drug prescribed

  • Fluoride toothpaste 0.619% (2800ppm), 75ml, Brush teeth for 1 minute after meals using 1 cm before spitting out twice daily. Avoid rinsing mouth, drinking or eating for 30 minutes after use.

  • Fluoride toothpaste 1.1% (5000ppm), 51g, Brush teeth for 3 minutes after meals using 2 cm before spitting out three times daily. Avoid rinsing mouth, drinking or eating for 30 minutes after use.

  • Fluoride mouthwash 0.05%, 250ml, Rinse mouth once daily with 10ml for 1 minute and spit out preferably at a different time from brushing

Recording why you prescribed

An antibiotic without a recorded indication is the gap that gets picked up on audit. The reasons SDCEP recognises for prescribing rather than managing locally:

  • Unable to provide dental treatment without pharmacological anxiety management.
  • Unable to provide local measures due to patient phobia.
  • Poor cooperation.
  • Not technically able to intervene surgically.
  • Evidence of cellulitis.
  • Evidence of spreading infection.
  • Evidence of systemic involvement.
  • Patient is immunocompromised or high risk individual.

Local measures come first wherever they are possible. An antibiotic is an adjunct to drainage, extraction or endodontic treatment — not a replacement for any of them.