Joint replacement program

It is important that all physicians and dentists caring for you know that you have a joint prosthesis and therefore are at risk for infection.

Antibiotics should be used for:

  • All dental procedures, including professional cleaning
  • Any procedures involving the gastrointestinal or genitourinary tract
  • Upper respiratory tract conditions or procedures
  • Any serious infection

If you, your physician or your dentist have any questions, please contact your orthopaedic surgeon.

Dental, Oral or Upper Respiratory Tract Procedures

Amoxicillin: 3 gms orally 1 hr. before procedure then 1.5 gms orally 6 hrs. after initial dose.

If allergic to Penicillin/Amoxicillin

Erythromycin ethylsuccinate 800 mg or Erythromycin stearate 1 gm orally 2 hrs. before procedure then half the dose 6 hrs. after initial does Or Clindamycin: 300 mg orally 1 hr. before procedure then 150 mg 6 hrs. after initial dose

Gastrointestinal/Genitourinary Tract Procedures

Ampicillin: 2 gms intravenous or intramuscular 30 minutes before procedure and repeat 8 hrs. after initial dose Plus: Gentamycin 1.5 mg/kg (not to exceed 80 mg) (Amoxicillin 1.5 gm orally 6 hrs. after initial dose may be used if preferred)

Alternate Low-Risk Regimen

Amoxicillin: 3 gms orally 1 hr. before procedure then 1.5 gms 6 hrs. after initial dose.

If allergic to Penicillin/Amoxicillin/Ampicillin

Vancomycin: 1 gm. Intravenous over 1 hr. Plus Gentamycin: 1.5 mg/kg (not to exceed 80 mg) Intravenous or intramuscular 1 hr. before procedure and repeat 8 hrs. after initial dose.

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