• Knee replacement surgery is done to remove or repair damaged parts of the knee joint with pieces of either metal or plastic. In a knee replacement, the ends of damaged thigh and shin bones and kneecap are partially replaced with new surfaces. Usually the entire surface is replaced, but it is becoming more popular to just replace either the inner or outer surfaces. After knee surgery, infection is a major concern. Patients are put on one of several intravenous antibiotics for the first day or two after surgery.
  
  

Cefazolin

• The most preferred antimicrobial medicine after knee surgery is Cefazolin, a drug usually given intravenously. It is indicated primarily for bacterial infections of the skin but is also effective in cases of moderately severe infections involving lungs, bone, joint, stomach and several other areas. It is effective against common forms of bacteria, including staphylococci and gram positive. Resistance to Cefazolin is found in several species. Side effects are fairly uncommon and include stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea and a rash.
  
  

Clindamycin

• The second most preferred antibiotic after knee surgery is Clindamycin and is indicated for patients with an allergy to certain other antibiotics, especially penicillin. It is used in the treatment of infections by anaerobic bacteria but can also be used for some protozoal diseases, including malaria, and is often used to treat acne. The most common side effects include diarrhea, which is common in all antibiotics. Other adverse reactions include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and itching. It is possible for high doses to create a metallic taste and contact dermatitis upon topical application.
  
  

Vancomycin

• Vancomycin is an antibiotic used in the treatment of infections by gram-positive bacteria. Normally, it is thought of as a drug for the last resort, when other drugs have not been effective. The development of resistant organisms has decreased this role. Administration of Vancomycin is usually closely monitored to reduce the incident of adverse reaction. Localized pain is common and sometimes severe. In early versions, kidney and hearing damage were reported. Anaphylaxis, dizziness and tinnitus were only occasionally reported. Red man syndrome appears within four to 10 minutes of administration and is characterized by flushing or rash of the face, neck and upper torso. This is not an allergic reaction, and it is less likely when the patient is infused slowly. Vancomycin is given intravenously except in rare cases when it must be used to reach an infection in the colon. A nebulizer version is also available for infections of the upper and lower respiratory system.