Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat It IsTypesProphylactic DrugsAntibiotics
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What It Is
Types
Prophylactic Drugs
Antibiotics
In medical terms, the definition of “prophylaxis” is “preventative treatment against disease.“The word comes from the Greek wordphylaxmeaning “to guard.”Prophylactic treatment is used in healthcare to preserve health and prevent the spread of disease.
Prophylactic medicine includes vaccines and medications that prevent an illness or a recurrence of a condition (migraines, seizures, etc.). Sometimes prophylaxis involves surgery. For example, a woman at high risk of breast cancer may elect to have a mastectomy.
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What Is Prophylactic Health Care?
In medicine, the term “prophylactic” is used to describe procedures and treatments that prevent something from happening. This can include things like:
Prophylaxis treatment examples include thehepatitis vaccine, which prevents hepatitis, and prophylactic dental cleanings, which prevent tooth decay.
People often associate the word “prophylactics” with condoms. Condoms are prophylactics that protect the user against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and prevent pregnancy.
Types of Prophylactic Care
Preventive care takes many forms. It may even continue after a disease has been identified.
Generally speaking, prophylaxis doesn’t just mean preventing disease. It can also mean preventing the disease from getting worse or preventingovertreatment.
The different types of prophylaxis include primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary.
Is prophylaxis the same as treatment?Prophylaxis describes medical care aimed at preventing disease or stopping it from getting worse, while other types of care are aimed at curing or managing an existing disease.
Is prophylaxis the same as treatment?
Prophylaxis describes medical care aimed at preventing disease or stopping it from getting worse, while other types of care are aimed at curing or managing an existing disease.
Primary Prophylaxis
At this stage, the goal is to prevent illness and increase resistance to viruses and diseases that you don’t have. Reducing risk factors through a healthy lifestyle (such as a healthy diet, exercise, and not smoking) is an important part of primary prevention.
Having a healthcare professional regularly check your weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol is a good way to stay on top of your health.
Secondary Prophylaxis
If there is an underlying disease process lurking in your body, the goal is to catch it in its earliest stages, especially when you arenotfeeling ill or having any symptoms. Early diagnosis means it is manageable, treatable, and possibly even curable. Measures should be taken to prevent a minor issue from becoming a major medical problem.
This could mean losing 5% to 7% of weight to reverse pre-diabetes and prevent it from becoming type 2 diabetes ortaking a statinto reduce cholesterol in order to prevent a heart attack.
RoutinePap smears,colonoscopies, andmammogramsare recommended to make sure there are no signs of cancer.Even removing a polyp from your colon during a colonoscopy helps prevent it from progressing to cancer.
Tertiary Prophylaxis
Once you are having symptoms and diagnosed with a disease, illness, or injury, steps can be taken to minimize symptoms, prevent or slow disease progression, and recover as much function as possible.
Examples include chemotherapy for cancer, rehabilitation programs after stroke, or disease management for heart failure.
Quaternary Prophylaxis
Excessive medical treatment can sometimes cause harm and should be prevented. If patients will not benefit from further medical treatment, then they should not be subjected to it.
Other examples of prophylactic drugs include those recommended for people who get migraines, such as:
Prophylactic Antibiotics
The term"prophylactic antibiotics"refers to antibiotics that are given topreventinfection rather than treat it.
Prophylactic antibiotics are avoided whenever possible in healthcare. Theoveruse of antibioticshas led to antibiotic resistance and provides no benefit to the patient.
Your physician may choose to prescribe prophylactic antibiotics because the potential benefit outweighs the risk of harm. In some cases, preventive antibiotics can reduce the risk of infection for patients at high risk.
What does “prophylactically” mean?A drug or other treatment that is given prophylactically is intended to help prevent a symptom or condition. For example, an antiemetic may be given prophylactically to prevent the nausea that is a common side effect of anesthesia.
What does “prophylactically” mean?
A drug or other treatment that is given prophylactically is intended to help prevent a symptom or condition. For example, an antiemetic may be given prophylactically to prevent the nausea that is a common side effect of anesthesia.
Use in Surgery
Some surgeries are at higher risk for bacterial infections so you may be prescribed a preventive antibiotic. These surgeries include:
When undergoing surgery, patients may receive prophylactic antibiotics within one hour before the skin incision. The antibiotic should be discontinued 24 to 48 hours after surgery completion.
What is a prophylactic mastectomy?A prophylactic mastectomy is a surgery to remove breast tissue for those at high risk of breast cancer. Risk factors include those with a genetic mutation or who had radiation therapy to the chest before age 30.
What is a prophylactic mastectomy?
A prophylactic mastectomy is a surgery to remove breast tissue for those at high risk of breast cancer. Risk factors include those with a genetic mutation or who had radiation therapy to the chest before age 30.
Use in Dental Procedures
People with serious heart problems are given prophylactic antibiotics in dental procedures. That’s because dental procedures carry a specific risk of spreading an infection to the heart. High-risk individuals include those with:
People with joint replacements are no longer recommended to receive antibiotic prophylaxisprior to dental procedures.
Your surgeon will let you know if you should have prophylactic antibiotics before your procedure. They will usually ask questions about your health history to help determine if you are at high risk for infection.
Summary
Prophylactic healthcare helps prevent or reduce the risk of health problems. This preventive care includes dental cleanings, birth control, vaccinations, and regular health screenings, but it can also mean stopping treatment to prevent harm.
Prophylactic antibiotics may be given to patients at high risk for infection when undergoing surgery or dental procedures. Prophylactic surgery may also be considered in cases where a person is at high risk for developing a disease such as breast cancer.
19 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mahlangu JN, Blanchette V, Klamroth R.Redefining prophylaxis in the modern era.Haemophilia.2021;27 Suppl 3:21-27. doi:10.1111/hae.14035Kalra S, Kumar A, Sahay R, et al.The right to euglycemia; The responsibility for glucophylaxis.J Indian Med Assoc. 2018;116(3):33.Musich S, Wang S, Hawkins K, Klemes A.The impact of personalized preventive care on health care quality, utilization, and expenditures.Popul Health Manag. 2016;19(6):389-397. doi:10.1089/pop.2015.0171Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing chronic diseases: What you can do now.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vaccine information statements: current VISs.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Are you up to date on your preventative care?National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP).Silverman MG, Ference BA, Im K, et al.Association between lowering LDL-C and cardiovascular risk reduction among different therapeutic interventions: a systematic review and meta-analysis.JAMA. 2016;316(12):1289-1297. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.13985American Cancer Society.American Cancer Society guidelines for the early detection of cancer.UpToDate.Patient education: Colon polyps (beyond the basics).Martins C, Godycki-Cwirko M, Heleno B, Brodersen J.Quaternary prevention: reviewing the concept.Eur J Gen Pract. 2018;24(1):106-111. doi:10.1080/13814788.2017.1422177National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.When your cancer treatment stops working.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).Silberstein SD.Preventive migraine treatment.Continuum (Minneap Minn). 2015;21(4):973-989. doi:10.1212/CON.0000000000000199Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About antimicrobial resistance.de Jonge SW, Boldingh QJJ, Solomkin JS, et al.Effect of postoperative continuation of antibiotic prophylaxis on the incidence of surgical site infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Lancet Infect Dis. 2020;20(10):1182-1192. doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(20)30084-0Okello SO.Timing and choice of antibiotic prophylaxis for prevention of surgical site infections: A systemic review.J US-China Med Sci. 2017;14:241-5. doi:10.17265/1548-6648/2017.06.004National Cancer Institute.Surgery to reduce the risk of breast cancer.American Dental Association.Antibiotic prophylaxis prior to dental procedures.
19 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mahlangu JN, Blanchette V, Klamroth R.Redefining prophylaxis in the modern era.Haemophilia.2021;27 Suppl 3:21-27. doi:10.1111/hae.14035Kalra S, Kumar A, Sahay R, et al.The right to euglycemia; The responsibility for glucophylaxis.J Indian Med Assoc. 2018;116(3):33.Musich S, Wang S, Hawkins K, Klemes A.The impact of personalized preventive care on health care quality, utilization, and expenditures.Popul Health Manag. 2016;19(6):389-397. doi:10.1089/pop.2015.0171Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing chronic diseases: What you can do now.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vaccine information statements: current VISs.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Are you up to date on your preventative care?National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP).Silverman MG, Ference BA, Im K, et al.Association between lowering LDL-C and cardiovascular risk reduction among different therapeutic interventions: a systematic review and meta-analysis.JAMA. 2016;316(12):1289-1297. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.13985American Cancer Society.American Cancer Society guidelines for the early detection of cancer.UpToDate.Patient education: Colon polyps (beyond the basics).Martins C, Godycki-Cwirko M, Heleno B, Brodersen J.Quaternary prevention: reviewing the concept.Eur J Gen Pract. 2018;24(1):106-111. doi:10.1080/13814788.2017.1422177National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.When your cancer treatment stops working.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).Silberstein SD.Preventive migraine treatment.Continuum (Minneap Minn). 2015;21(4):973-989. doi:10.1212/CON.0000000000000199Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About antimicrobial resistance.de Jonge SW, Boldingh QJJ, Solomkin JS, et al.Effect of postoperative continuation of antibiotic prophylaxis on the incidence of surgical site infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Lancet Infect Dis. 2020;20(10):1182-1192. doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(20)30084-0Okello SO.Timing and choice of antibiotic prophylaxis for prevention of surgical site infections: A systemic review.J US-China Med Sci. 2017;14:241-5. doi:10.17265/1548-6648/2017.06.004National Cancer Institute.Surgery to reduce the risk of breast cancer.American Dental Association.Antibiotic prophylaxis prior to dental procedures.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Mahlangu JN, Blanchette V, Klamroth R.Redefining prophylaxis in the modern era.Haemophilia.2021;27 Suppl 3:21-27. doi:10.1111/hae.14035Kalra S, Kumar A, Sahay R, et al.The right to euglycemia; The responsibility for glucophylaxis.J Indian Med Assoc. 2018;116(3):33.Musich S, Wang S, Hawkins K, Klemes A.The impact of personalized preventive care on health care quality, utilization, and expenditures.Popul Health Manag. 2016;19(6):389-397. doi:10.1089/pop.2015.0171Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing chronic diseases: What you can do now.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vaccine information statements: current VISs.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Are you up to date on your preventative care?National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP).Silverman MG, Ference BA, Im K, et al.Association between lowering LDL-C and cardiovascular risk reduction among different therapeutic interventions: a systematic review and meta-analysis.JAMA. 2016;316(12):1289-1297. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.13985American Cancer Society.American Cancer Society guidelines for the early detection of cancer.UpToDate.Patient education: Colon polyps (beyond the basics).Martins C, Godycki-Cwirko M, Heleno B, Brodersen J.Quaternary prevention: reviewing the concept.Eur J Gen Pract. 2018;24(1):106-111. doi:10.1080/13814788.2017.1422177National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.When your cancer treatment stops working.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).Silberstein SD.Preventive migraine treatment.Continuum (Minneap Minn). 2015;21(4):973-989. doi:10.1212/CON.0000000000000199Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About antimicrobial resistance.de Jonge SW, Boldingh QJJ, Solomkin JS, et al.Effect of postoperative continuation of antibiotic prophylaxis on the incidence of surgical site infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Lancet Infect Dis. 2020;20(10):1182-1192. doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(20)30084-0Okello SO.Timing and choice of antibiotic prophylaxis for prevention of surgical site infections: A systemic review.J US-China Med Sci. 2017;14:241-5. doi:10.17265/1548-6648/2017.06.004National Cancer Institute.Surgery to reduce the risk of breast cancer.American Dental Association.Antibiotic prophylaxis prior to dental procedures.
Mahlangu JN, Blanchette V, Klamroth R.Redefining prophylaxis in the modern era.Haemophilia.2021;27 Suppl 3:21-27. doi:10.1111/hae.14035
Kalra S, Kumar A, Sahay R, et al.The right to euglycemia; The responsibility for glucophylaxis.J Indian Med Assoc. 2018;116(3):33.
Musich S, Wang S, Hawkins K, Klemes A.The impact of personalized preventive care on health care quality, utilization, and expenditures.Popul Health Manag. 2016;19(6):389-397. doi:10.1089/pop.2015.0171
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing chronic diseases: What you can do now.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vaccine information statements: current VISs.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Are you up to date on your preventative care?
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP).
Silverman MG, Ference BA, Im K, et al.Association between lowering LDL-C and cardiovascular risk reduction among different therapeutic interventions: a systematic review and meta-analysis.JAMA. 2016;316(12):1289-1297. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.13985
American Cancer Society.American Cancer Society guidelines for the early detection of cancer.
UpToDate.Patient education: Colon polyps (beyond the basics).
Martins C, Godycki-Cwirko M, Heleno B, Brodersen J.Quaternary prevention: reviewing the concept.Eur J Gen Pract. 2018;24(1):106-111. doi:10.1080/13814788.2017.1422177
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.When your cancer treatment stops working.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
Silberstein SD.Preventive migraine treatment.Continuum (Minneap Minn). 2015;21(4):973-989. doi:10.1212/CON.0000000000000199
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About antimicrobial resistance.
de Jonge SW, Boldingh QJJ, Solomkin JS, et al.Effect of postoperative continuation of antibiotic prophylaxis on the incidence of surgical site infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Lancet Infect Dis. 2020;20(10):1182-1192. doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(20)30084-0
Okello SO.Timing and choice of antibiotic prophylaxis for prevention of surgical site infections: A systemic review.J US-China Med Sci. 2017;14:241-5. doi:10.17265/1548-6648/2017.06.004
National Cancer Institute.Surgery to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
American Dental Association.Antibiotic prophylaxis prior to dental procedures.
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