Antibiotic Use Prior to Surgical Procedures
Age: 22, Height: 5’4”, Weight: 179 lbs. Current Medications: Plavix, Metoprolol, Cardizem, Lyrica, Zoloft. Health Conditions: POTS, MTS, NCS, EDS, Fibromyalgia. I recently visited my urologist who prescribed cephalexin for a kidney infection and urinary tract infection (UTI). The concern arises because I have an upcoming venogram with an intervention for my iliac stent scheduled for Monday morning. Unfortunately, I can't reach my doctors over the weekend to seek clarification on whether it's advisable to begin taking the antibiotic in advance of the procedure and continue until then. Is it acceptable to start the antibiotic treatment after the surgery? I want to avoid any possibility of having my procedure postponed, as I have been waiting four months for it. Currently, my symptoms from the UTI and kidney infection are quite minimal. I experienced these symptoms during a two-week hospital stay, but no treatment was provided at that time. I just got home from the hospital yesterday and had a follow-up appointment today. Would it be detrimental to delay the antibiotic? I'm uncertain whether it’s safe to take it prior to my surgery.
Answers (1)
3/29/2025, 6:20:33 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about the timing of your antibiotic treatment in relation to your upcoming venogram. Here's a breakdown of the main points addressed to your situation:
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Timing of Antibiotics: Generally, it is important to follow your doctor's guidance on taking antibiotics before a surgical procedure, especially to manage infections.
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Impact on Procedure: You mentioned you have minimal symptoms from the UTI and kidney infection. While it's ideal to start antibiotics as soon as possible to treat an infection, the priority should be on ensuring your surgical procedure goes smoothly.
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Delayed Treatment Considerations: Delaying antibiotics could potentially allow the infection to worsen, but if your symptoms are manageable, starting them after your procedure may still be effective. However, this increases the risk of complications related to the infection.
Next Steps:
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Start Antibiotics Immediately: If you feel comfortable, begin taking the cephalexin as prescribed regardless of the surgery unless specifically advised otherwise by your healthcare provider. This can help you manage the infection and may improve your health status prior to the procedure.
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Monitor Your Condition: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms. If you notice worsening symptoms like increased pain, fever, or significant changes in your urine output, this should prompt immediate consideration of your medication regimen.
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Post-Procedure Antibiotic Use: If you start the antibiotics before the procedure, you may continue them as prescribed afterwards. If you need to wait until after the procedure, ensure you take them promptly afterward to manage the infection effectively.
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Emergency Contact: Since you cannot reach your doctors over the weekend, consider calling a pharmacy or an on-call medical service for advice based on your specific case and medications.
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Follow-up: Once you’re able to contact your doctor, discuss your antibiotic regimen and any concerns you have about the procedure.
Your situation does require careful management, and aiming to treat the infection while preparing for the procedure is a wise approach. Let me know if you need further assistance or clarification!
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