skip to main content

Infective endocarditis prophylaxis — GPhC CRA MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateClinical TherapeuticsInfective endocarditis prophylaxisGPhC CRA

A 70-year-old man with a prosthetic heart valve is prescribed amoxicillin 3 g as a single dose one hour before a dental extraction. He asks why he needs such a high dose of antibiotic. What is the most appropriate explanation?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — This is antibiotic prophylaxis to reduce the risk of infective endocarditis in patients with prosthetic heart valves undergoing invasive dental procedures

Patients with prosthetic heart valves are at high risk of infective endocarditis. NICE guidance and the BNF recommend antibiotic prophylaxis with amoxicillin 3 g as a single oral dose one hour before invasive dental procedures in high-risk patients. This is a prophylactic measure, not treatment of an existing infection. For penicillin-allergic patients, clindamycin 600 mg is the alternative.

Reference: BNF; NICE CG64 Prophylaxis Against Infective Endocarditis