These are the 2005 recommendations for the empiric use of antibiotics at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

NEW YORK-PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL ADULT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SURGICAL PROPHYLAXIS These recommendations take into account the site of infection, most common organisms, hospital epidemiology and susceptibilities, expert opinion, and cost. The goals of these guidelines are to optimize antibiotic use and patient outcomes while limiting the emergence of resistant bacteria. These recommendations are modified from many sources including the Medical Letter 2006; Vol. 4 (Issue 52): 83-88 and Clin Infect Dis 2004; 38:1706-15. For endocarditis prophylaxis, consult the NYPH recommendations for the prevention of endocarditis based on the American Heart Association recommendations, Circulation 2007; 115. General Principles:• Choice of antimicrobial agent - Drug chosen should be active against the pathogens most commonly associated with wound infections following the specific procedure and against the pathogens endogenous to the region of the body being operated. - Selection of an appropriate agent for specific patients should take into account not only comparative efficacy but also adverse-effect profiles and patient drug allergies. - For most procedures, cefazolin 1 g or cefoxitin 2 g should be the agent of choice because of their relatively long duration of action, their effectiveness against the organisms most commonly encountered in surgery, and their relatively low cost. - Clindamycin or vancomycin should be used in penicillin-allergic patients. Clindamycin ...