Short-course cefuroxime axetil therapy in the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis
Abstract
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.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 684 participants or records.
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