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The following text is from an archived Red Book® edition and may not reflect current recommendations or information. To view the current edition, click here.

Section 5. Antimicrobial Prophylaxis

ANTIMICROBIAL PROPHYLAXIS

Antimicrobial agents commonly are prescribed to prevent infections in infants and children. The efficacy of prophylactic use of antimicrobial agents has been documented for some conditions but is unsubstantiated for most. Prophylaxis is defined as the use of antimicrobial drugs in the absence of suspected or documented infection to decrease the incidence of infection.

Chemoprophylaxis is directed at different but not mutually exclusive targets: specific pathogens, infection-prone body sites, and vulnerable hosts. Effective prophylaxis is achieved more readily with specific pathogens and certain body sites. In any situation in which prophylactic antimicrobial therapy is being considered, the risk of emergence of resistant organisms must be weighed against potential benefits. Prophylactic agents should have . . . [Go to Full Text]


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