When To Premedicate With Antibiotics?

Antibiotic prophylaxis is the administration of antibiotics to patients without evidence of infection to prevent bacterial colonization and reduce subsequent postoperative or post-treatment complications.  In the treatment of certain medically at-risk patients, those with impaired defenses, (chemotherapy, organ transplant or tissue graft recipient, insulin-dependent diabetes, alcoholics) antibiotic therapy is established.  Prevention of infective endocarditis by prophylactic antibiotics is indicated for patients with specific medical conditions (prosthetic cardiac/heart valve, history of previous infection, cardiac transplants, some congenital heart diseases and other special circumstances).  All patients during the first two years following orthopedic joint replacements should receive antibiotics to counteract the potential risk of total joint infection.  Detailed guidelines for these recommendations are available.  

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309