Viabilidade na prescrição de antibióticos para crianças com fissura labiopalatina durante o tratamento odontológico Viability of antibiotic prescription for children with cleft lip and palate during dental treatment

SummaryClefts of the lip and palate represent the most prevalent craniofacial malformations in humans. During the process of rehabilitation of these anomalies, the existence of adequate oral health conditions to perform primary and secondary surgeries is essential. Considering that organs and tissues are still developing in childhood and are presenting physiological and pharmacokinetic peculiarities, the pediatric drug prescription must be a cautious practice; furthermore, the use of antibiotics can lead to changes in the normal flora of the gastrointestinal tract. In turn, the Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies of the University of Sao Paulo (HRAC/USP) uses intravenous cefazolin for prophylactic treatment in reparative surgical procedures on children with clefts. The use of systemic antimicrobial may cause serious adverse reactions including gastrointestinal disturbances, rashes, and in severe cases, anaphylactic shock. Thus, the dental infections in this group, whenever possible, should be treated without the use of antibiotics, limiting their administration only for the most severe cases associated with systemic involvement.