Which antibiotic is often used for surgical prophylaxis?

Cefazolin is commonly used for surgical prophylaxis due to its excellent efficacy against the organisms that are most likely to cause infections post-surgery, particularly skin flora such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species. Its pharmacokinetic properties provide good tissue penetration and a favorable safety profile, making it ideal for use in a surgical setting.

The selection of cefazolin is also influenced by its relatively low cost and availability, as well as the fact that it is a first-generation cephalosporin, which is effective for a wide range of prophylactic applications in various surgical procedures. It is typically administered prior to incision to help prevent surgical site infections effectively.

While other antibiotics listed, such as ciprofloxacin, vancomycin, and amoxicillin, have specific uses in different contexts, they do not possess the same level of appropriateness for general surgical prophylaxis as cefazolin does. For instance, vancomycin is often reserved for patients with a known allergy to beta-lactams or for use in surgeries where there is a high risk of resistant organisms, while ciprofloxacin has a broader spectrum of coverage that may not be necessary for routine prophylaxis. Amoxicillin, while effective for