Variceal bleeding antibiotics

Initiation of prophylactic antibiotics is recommended during acute variceal bleeding this is typically done with an oral fluoroquinolone (e.g., ciprofloxacin 500 mg twice daily x 7 days) or an IV third-generation cephalosporin. Prophylactic antibiotic therapy reduces in-hospital infections and mortality in patients hospitalized for variceal bleeding.44... 

Patients who have previously experienced spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and have low-protein ascites (ascitic fluid albumin less than 1 g/dL [less than 10 g/L]) are candidates for long-term prophylactic therapy. Recommended regimens include either a single trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole doublestrength tablet 5 days per week (Monday through Friday) or ciprofloxacin 750 mg once weekly.19,46 Any patient who has experienced an episode of variceal bleeding should also receive prophylactic antibiotics. 

Consider antibiotic prophylaxis for SBP in patients with a history of variceal bleeding or prior SBP. 

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