Cardiovascular adverse effects of antimicrobials in complex surgical cases.

Previously undescribed adverse effects of antibiotics on the cardiovascular system were described in complex surgical cases. Hypotension, bradycardia and tachycardia were seen in a randomised clinical trial, and confirmed in a randomised experiment with piglets, and in a study with isolated vascular tissue that was exposed simultaneously to antibiotics, endotoxin, and later on histamine at histamine H1-receptors. These findings may influence indications and duration for antimicrobial therapy, and support the concept of "minimal" postoperative antibiotic therapy in emergency abdominal operations.