Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Surgery—2005 and Beyond

Abstract

Surgeons, pharmacists, and other physicians who prescribe prophylactic antibiotics. After reading this article, the reader should be able to: Outline the attributes of antibiotics that are suitable for prophylaxis; review the activity and safety profiles of commonly-prescribed prophylactic antibiotics; and discuss the importance of proper administration as well as proper choice of an agent to minimize the risk of infection. The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide Continuing Medical Education (CME) for physicians. NFID takes responsibility for the content, quality, and scientific integrity of this CME activity. NFID designates this CME activity for a maximum of one (1.0) category 1 credit toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award. Physicians should only claim those hours of credit that he/she actually spent in the educational activity. This CME ctivity has been made possible by an unrestricted educational grant from Cubist Pharmcaeuticals, Inc. Dr. Barie serves as a consultant for Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Dr. Nichols serves on the surgery advisory board for Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Dr. Condon has no financial relationship to disclose. To receive CME credits after reading the entire publication, please go to the following website <www.nfid.org/cme/surgicalinfections2005> to complete the self-assessment examination and evaluation. Requests for credit must be received no later than six months following the publication date.