From the Guidelines
For post-surgical infections, antibiotics such as cefazolin (1-2 grams intravenously every 8 hours) or ceftriaxone (1-2 grams intravenously every 12-24 hours) are commonly recommended 1.
Key Considerations
- In cases of suspected or confirmed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection, vancomycin (1 gram intravenously every 12 hours) or linezolid (600 mg intravenously every 12 hours) may be considered 1.
- The duration of antibiotic therapy typically ranges from 5-14 days, depending on the severity of the infection and the patient's clinical response 1.
Specific Infection Types
- For infections following operations on the axilla, gastrointestinal (GI) tract, perineum, or female genital tract, agents active against gram-negative bacteria and anaerobes, such as a cephalosporin or fluoroquinolone in combination with metronidazole, are recommended 1.
- For mixed infections, piperacillin-tazobactam plus vancomycin or imipenem-cilastatin may be used 1.
Dosage and Administration
- Cefazolin: 1-2 grams intravenously every 8 hours 1.
- Ceftriaxone: 1-2 grams intravenously every 12-24 hours 1.
- Vancomycin: 1 gram intravenously every 12 hours, not to exceed the maximum adult daily dose 1.
- Linezolid: 600 mg intravenously every 12 hours 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Cefazolin for Injection, USP is indicated in the treatment of the following serious infections due to susceptible organisms... Perioperative Prophylaxis: The prophylactic administration of Cefazolin for Injection, USP preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively may reduce the incidence of certain postoperative infections in patients undergoing surgical procedures which are classified as contaminated or potentially contaminated... The preoperative administration of a single 1 gram dose of Ceftriaxone for Injection may reduce the incidence of postoperative infections in patients undergoing surgical procedures classified as contaminated or potentially contaminated...
The antibiotics used for post-surgical infections are:
- Cefazolin (2)
- Ceftriaxone (3) These antibiotics are used for perioperative prophylaxis and may reduce the incidence of postoperative infections in patients undergoing surgical procedures.
From the Research
Antibiotics Used for Post-Surgical Infections
- Cefazolin, a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, is widely used for surgical prophylaxis and is as effective as cefuroxime, cefamandole, and ceftriaxone in preventing surgical site infections 4
- Cefuroxime, ceftriaxone, and cefamandole are also used for surgical prophylaxis, although cefazolin is considered a safer and more cost-effective option 4
- Vancomycin and gentamicin (VGA) may be used as an alternative to cephalosporins for antibiotic prophylaxis in cardiac surgery, with similar efficacy in preventing surgical site infections 5
Factors Associated with Post-Surgical Infections
- Age, male sex, ASA grade, co-morbid disease, preoperative anaemia, anaesthetic technique, surgical category, surgical severity, and cancer surgery are associated with an increased incidence of postoperative infection 6
- Urgent case status, wound class 2 or 4, ASA class 2-5, and surgery duration are also associated with an increased risk of surgical site infections 7