Prophylactic use of antimicrobial agents in adult patients.

The prophylactic use of antimicrobial agents is recommended for prevention of numerous infections, including tuberculosis, endocarditis, rheumatic fever, recurrent cellulitis and lymphangitis in patients with lymphedema, meningococcal meningitis, and bite wounds. In addition, the prophylactic use of antimicrobial agents has proved effective in certain surgical procedures such as various abdominal operations, hysterectomy, and major operations that involve the head and neck. Except for oral bowel preparations, antimicrobial prophylaxis should be limited, in general, to the operative period. Prolonged perioperative prophylaxis has not been shown to enhance effectiveness and may result in increased toxicity, resistant superinfections, and inflated costs. The investigation of antimicrobial prophylaxis necessitates adequate evaluation of the potential advantages and disadvantages in a prospective, double-blind fashion.