Antibioticaprofilaxie

Antibioticaprofilaxie is the preventive use of antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection in people who are considered at higher than average risk, either before exposure or before an anticipated source of infection. It differs from treatment of an existing infection and is generally guided by clinical guidelines to balance benefits with harms.

Common indications include surgical prophylaxis, where antibiotics are given before surgery to lower the risk of postoperative infections; endocarditis prophylaxis for certain high-risk heart patients undergoing specific dental or invasive procedures; and prophylaxis in people with severe immunosuppression or significant exposure to certain pathogens. In some situations, post-exposure prophylaxis may be used after known exposure to an infectious agent, using a short course of antibiotics to prevent disease.

Timing and duration are important. For most surgical prophylaxis, the antibiotic is administered within a defined window before the incision, often within 60 minutes, with limited dosing afterward. The goal is to achieve adequate tissue levels at the time of potential infection while avoiding unnecessarily long courses that promote resistance and adverse effects.

Choice of agent is typically guided by the most likely pathogens for a given setting and local resistance patterns. When possible, narrow-spectrum antibiotics are preferred to minimize collateral damage to the microbiome and reduce resistance risk. Allergy history and patient factors influence the selection.

Benefits of prophylaxis must be weighed against risks, including adverse drug reactions and the potential for antibiotic resistance. Responsible use and adherence to evidence-based guidelines are central to antibiotic stewardship in clinical practice.