Abstract

The Endocarditis Working Party of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy has recently updated its recommendations for the antibiotic prophylaxis of infective endocarditis (Endocarditis Working Party, BSAC, Lancet 1990; 335: 88–89). This follows reports of nausea after large oral doses of erythromycin stearate, previously recommended for patients allergic to penicillin who are having dental work without a general anaesthetic. An alternative, clindamycin is now introduced. This antibiotic is very active against Gram-positive cocci, the most important organisms. These are the new recommendations.