Guidelines for Antibiotic Prophylaxis Following Total Joint Replacement

John Hunter Matthews M.D.

For printable instructions, click here.

***KEEP FOR YOUR RECORDS***


Guidelines for Antibiotic Prophylaxis Following Total Joint Replacement


***Please share this sheet with your dentist and Medical Doctor(s)***


After total joint replacement, antibiotic prophylaxis is needed for the following procedures:
1. Dental procedures (cleaning, extractions, implants, periodontal work)
2. Gastrointestinal procedures (upper endoscopy, colonoscopy)
3. Genitourinary procedures (cystoscopy, TURP)


Antibiotic Recommendations:
• In patients who are not allergic to penicillin, we recommend:
1. Amoxicillin: 2 grams taken one hour before dental or other procedures
• In patients who are allergic to penicillin, we recommend one of the following:
1. Clindamycin: 600 mg taken one hour before dental or other procedure
2. Erythromycin: 750 mg taken one hour before dental or other procedure
3. Keflex: 1000 mg taken one hour before dental or other procedures


Please try to avoid scheduling any elective dental work or procedure for at 6 months following your joint replacement.


Bacterial Infections:
If you think that you have a bacterial infection, for example a sinus infection, urinary tract infection,
pneumonia, etc., you will need to be on an antibiotic. Consult with your Medical Doctor. This will be the
case for the rest of your life whenever there is an active infection occurring in your body.


Keep this sheet handy as a reference. The success of your new joint depends upon it. Call Dr. Matthews
at 757-827-2480 if you have any questions.