Which antibiotics are used routinely during surgery?

Question

I was wondering if there is a single type or group of antibiotics that are given to a patient prior to surgery. Not antibiotics to treat something the patient had/has before the surgery, but something that is given regularly and to pretty much everyone so they dont get sick.

It would be nice if you could give a link as a reference, but anything to go on would be appreciated.

Thanks

Answer 1

Ancef, aka Cefazolin.

Less commonly, vancomycin, or a combo of ampicillin, gentamycin and/or clindamycin.

Answer 2

A broad spectrum antibiotic may be given intravenously during surgery.  The specific drug would depend on the type of surgery and the doctor's preference.

I am an RN.

Answer 3

Pangolin is right. At out hospital, in the vast majority of cases, Ancef (1st generation cephalosporin) is used. The main exceptions are patients with a cephalosporin allergy or known MRSA.

If a patient is currently getting IV antibiotics in the hospital, most of the time those are sufficient.

Answer 4

really depends on the surgery they are having and what kind of infections they have to prophylax for.....normally though you will see antibiotics prescribed to prophylax for surgical wound infections.....normally you see cefazolin used and if they have a penicillin allergy they will go with vancomycin or clindamycin