Evaluation of ticarcillin/clavulanate potassium in the treatment of obstetric and gynecologic infections.

The number of cesarean sections and hysterectomies performed in the United States continues to increase. Infections that occur subsequent to these procedures are usually polymicrobial in nature and treatment is often initially empiric and consists of the use of antimicrobial(s) that provide broad coverage. Combining clavulanate potassium with ticarcillin disodium (Timentin) significantly extended ticarcillin's spectrum of activity to include coverage of many beta-lactamase producing strains of bacteria--coverage of which is a growing problem in the treatment of serious infections. Clinical studies have shown that ticarcillin/clavulanate potassium is as safe and effective as clindamycin plus gentamicin or other single agent drugs used in the treatment of obstetric/gynecologic infections. The cost-saving potential of this combination agent as compared with clindamycin plus gentamicin as well as with cefoxitin is illustrated in a study conducted by this author and discussed in this article.