Premedication is also referred to as antibiotic prophylaxis. Antibiotic prophylaxis is the use of antibiotics before specific procedures to have a preventive effect. Antibiotics before dental treatment help to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Conditions or illnesses such as rheumatic fever meningococcal disease, recurring urinary tract infections and herpes simplex infection. Antibiotics also help with the prevention of influenza, pertussis, infective endocarditis, infections linked to joint replacements and bite wounds.