Download Caesarean Section: Antibiotic Prophylaxis for

WOMEN AND NEWBORN HEALTH SERVICE
King Edward Memorial Hospital
CLINICAL GUIDELINES
Obstetric and Gynaecology
ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP
ANTIBIOTIC PROPHYLAXIS FOR CAESAREAN SECTION
ANTIBIOTIC PROPHYLAXIS FOR CAESAREAN SECTION
Evidence supports administration of antibiotic prophylaxis prior to skin incision for
Caesarean section (both elective and non-elective) for prevention of wound infection
and endometritis.1
Studies show that administering prophylaxis prior to skin incision compared to after
cord clamping significantly reduces the incidence of infection without compromising
neonatal outcome.2
INDICATIONS

All patients giving birth by Caesarean section.

Surgical prophylaxis should still be administered even if the patient is receiving
antibiotics for prolonged rupture of the membrane.3
ANTIBIOTIC REGIMEN

Cephazolin 2g IV given as an infusion, before skin incision.

For patients with immediate penicillin hypersensitivity use
Clindamycin 900mg IV (as a single dose), before skin incision (must be given
as infusion over 30 minutes
REFERENCES ( STANDARDS)
1. Therapeutic Guidelines Limited. Prophylaxis: obstetric and gynaecological surgery. 2014 [cited; Version
14:[Available from:
http://online.tg.org.au.pklibresources.health.wa.gov.au/ip/desktop/index.htm]
2. Costantine MM, Rahman M, Ghulmiyah L, Byers BD, Longo M, Wen T, et al. Timing of perioperative antibiotics
for caesarean delivery: a meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2008;199(3):301 e1-6.
3. RANZCOG Prophylactic antibiotics in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Nov 2011.
DPMS
Ref: 5485
All guidelines should be read in conjunction with the Disclaimer at the beginning of this manual
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National Standards – 3 Preventing and Controlling Healthcare Associated Infections
4- Medication Safety
Legislation - Nil
Related Policies – WNHS Policy W093 ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP AT KING EDWARD MEMORIAL
HOSPITAL (KEMH)
Other related documents – Nil
RESPONSIBILITY
Policy Sponsor
AMS
Initial Endorsement
October 2001
Last Reviewed
September 2014
Last Amended
December 2015
Review date
September 2017
Do not keep printed versions of guidelines as currency of information cannot be guaranteed.
Access the current version from the WNHS website.
Antibiotic prophylaxis for caesarean section
Clinical Guidelines - Section P
DPMS Ref: 5485
King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women
Perth Western Australia
All guidelines should be read in conjunction with the Disclaimer at the beginning of this manual
Page 2 of 2