What is the correct prophylactic dose of amoxicillin for bacterial endocarditis?

The correct prophylactic dose of amoxicillin for bacterial endocarditis is 2 g taken 1 hour before the procedure. This dosage is specified in guidelines for the prevention of infective endocarditis, particularly for patients at high risk who are undergoing certain dental or other invasive procedures.

The reason this particular dose is appropriate is that the 2 g dosage ensures adequate serum and tissue levels of the antibiotic to effectively combat potential endocarditis-causing bacteria that may enter the bloodstream during these procedures. The timing of administration—1 hour before the procedure—is also important to allow for peak antibiotic levels to be reached in the body just as the procedure begins, maximizing the potential protective effect against bacterial entry.

In the context of bacterial endocarditis prophylaxis, other options provided do not meet the established recommendations for high-risk patients. They may either be insufficient in total dosage or not administered in a timely manner prior to the intervention, which would compromise their effectiveness in preventing infection.