Short-course cefuroxime axetil therapy in the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis

• Published in: International journal of clinical practice (Esher) Vol. 52; no. 5; p. 289
• Main Authors: Langan, C, Clecner, B, Cazzola, C M, Brambilla, C, Holmes, C Y, Staley, H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.07.1998
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anti-Bacterial Agents - therapeutic use; Bronchitis - drug therapy; Cefuroxime - administration & dosage; Cephalosporins - administration & dosage; Chronic Disease; Clarithromycin - administration & dosage; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 1368-5031
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-1241.1998.tb11633.x

The efficacy and safety of a five-day course of cefuroxime axetil (250 mg b.d.) and a seven-day course of clarithromycin (250 mg b.d.) were compared in a large double-blind, randomised, multinational study involving 684 patients with acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. In an intent-to-treat analysis, the post-treatment clinical responses to each treatment were comparable (82%) and rates at follow-up were similar: 64% on cefuroxime axetil and 61% on clarithromycin. Pre-treatment pathogens were isolated from a total of 192 patients, Haemophilus influenzae being the most common. Overall pathogen eradication rates were similar for both treatments. Both treatments were well tolerated. In conclusion, a five-day course of cefuroxime axetil is clinically equivalent to a seven-day course of clarithromycin in the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, and may have potential socioeconomic benefits.