Using antibiotic prophylactically?

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A few rationales in Saunder's CD advice that option suggesting of using antibiotic prophylactically should be eliminated due to the fear of bacteria resistance. However, another rationale indicates that MD will give antibiotic prophylactically for patient who has a history of endocardititis before performing any procedures which involve instrument. Is it the only exception? Please advice.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
a few rationales in saunder's cd advice that option suggesting of using antibiotic prophylactically should be eliminated due to the fear of bacteria resistance. however, another rationale indicates that md will give antibiotic prophylactically for patient who has a history of endocardititis before performing any procedures which involve instrument. is it the only exception? please advice.

hello, z885,

no, it is not the only exception.

to use prophylactic antibiotics would be to prevent a disease such as the patient with hx of rheumatic heart disease would be given antibiotics before a procedure to prevent complications caused by bacteria that could lead to endocarditis.

to treat empircally with antibiotics, such as a patient presents with s/s meningitis and while the hcp is awaiting results of bacteria vs. viral etiology, use antibiotics to treat possible bacterial causes/s.

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Thank for the helpful reply, Siri.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
Thank for the helpful reply, Siri.

You are very welcome, z

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A few rationales in Saunder's CD advice that option suggesting of using antibiotic prophylactically should be eliminated due to the fear of bacteria resistance. However, another rationale indicates that MD will give antibiotic prophylactically for patient who has a history of endocardititis before performing any procedures which involve instrument. Is it the only exception? Please advice.

Joint replacements sometimes get prophy before procedures, dental work, etc.

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at ltc where i work we have several residients who are on bactrim on continuing basis...new phamarists often demand a cut off date...we also have hiv residentw who do not have this ordered...really don't have any don't know of criteria which determines who gets it and who doesn't

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