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  6. Principles of Surgical Prophylaxis (1039)

Principles of Surgical Prophylaxis (1039)

A guideline is intended to assist healthcare professionals in the choice of disease-specific treatments.

Clinical judgement should be exercised on the applicability of any guideline, influenced by individual patient characteristics. Clinicians should be mindful of the potential for harmful polypharmacy and increased susceptibility to adverse drug reactions in patients with multiple morbidities or frailty.

If, after discussion with the patient or carer, there are good reasons for not following a guideline, it is good practice to record these and communicate them to others involved in the care of the patient.

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Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 29/05/2026

Next review date: 28/02/2029

Author(s): Scott Gillen.

Version: 9

Approved By: Antimicrobial Utilisation Committee

Document Id: 1039

References
  1. Scottish Antimicrobial Prescribing Group (SAPG) | Good practice recommendations for re-dosing antibiotics for surgical prophylaxis in adults. October 2025 (Accessed 11 November 2025)
  2. Metro South Antimicrobial Stewardship Network (2019) Gentamicin Dosing, Administration & Monitoring Guidelines for Adults for Empirical Therapy. Available at: Fact sheet template (portrait) | Metro South Health (mshprescribe.com) (Accessed: 07 July 2022).
  3. Spencer S et al, Intravenous Push Administration of Antibiotics: Literature and Considerations, Hosp Pharm.2018 Jun; 53(3): 157–169.
  4. Loewenthal MR, Dobson PM. Tobramycin and gentamicin can safely be given by slow push. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2010;65(9):2049–2050.
  5. Gentamicin Injection 40mg/ml SPC, eMC, (Gentamicin 40mg/ml Solution for Injection/Infusion - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc) (medicines.org.uk) (Accessed 30 August 2023)
  6. Bratzler, D.W., Dellinger, E.P., Olsen, K.M., Perl, T.M., Auwaerter, P.G., Bolon, M.K., Fish, D.N., Napolitano, L.M., Sawyer, R.G., Slain, D., Steinberg, J.P. and Weinstein, R.A. (2013) ‘Clinical practice guidelines for antimicrobial prophylaxis in surgery’. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 70(3), pp. 195-283.
  7. Co-amoxiclav SPC, Co-Amoxiclav 1000 mg/200 mg Powder for Solution for Injection/Infusion - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc) (medicines.org.uk) (Accessed 30 August 2023)