Article Abstract:
Streptococcal pharyngitis (sore throat due to infection by streptococci) due to infection by group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (GABHS) can be treated with penicillin. However, many patients are allergic to this drug, and the infection sometimes remains even after treatment is over. To evaluate the effectiveness of azithromycin, a newly developed azalide antibiotic, a study was carried out of 242 patients with GABHS at 29 medical centers. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either azithromycin (151) or penicillin V (90): those in the azithromycin group took the drug once daily for five days, and those in the penicillin group took their drug every six hours for 10 days. They returned for follow-up clinic visits and additional throat cultures were taken on days 6, 11, 18, and 30 after drug therapy began. Results showed that all patients with one exception in each group were clinically cured or improved. Approximately 87 percent (131 patients) of the azithromycin group and 78 percent (70 patients) of the penicillin group were cured. GABHS was eradicated in 91 percent and 96 percent of the azithromycin and penicillin treated patients, respectively. When the infection recurred, clinical signs, such as sore throat and fever, were present in 3 of 13 azithromycin patients, and in 7 of 10 penicillin patients. Most side effects (diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain) were mild or moderate, but the azithromycin group had a higher frequency of these effects. Overall, azithromycin and penicillin V were comparable both clinically and bacteriologically. Larger studies should be carried out to investigate the effectiveness of both drugs against GABHS. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
The effectiveness of a newly developed antibiotic, azithromycin, was evaluated for treating lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), such as bronchitis and pneumonia, in 272 patients at 26 medical centers. This drug is a member of the azalide group of antibiotics, and offers several advantages over erythromycin (used for treating some lung infections), including fewer side effects, greater stability in the stomach, a longer half-life, and high concentrations in body tissues, particularly the lung. Patients in the study were evaluated using clinical, laboratory, and radiographic tests, and by bacteriologic analysis of sputum. They were randomly assigned to receive either azithromycin (191 patients) or cefaclor, a cephalosporin active against many typical respiratory tract pathogens, (81 patients), and were evaluated on days 6, 11, 18, and 30. The proportion of patients cured or improved was high in both groups: 96.3 percent in the azithromycin group and 95.1 percent in the cefaclor group. The cure rate according to bacteriologic results (eradication of the causative organism) was 88.2 percent for azithromycin patients and 87.9 percent for cefaclor patients. Azithromycin was more effective (94.5 percent) than cefaclor (61.1 percent) against Haemophilus influenzae. A similar proportion of patients in the two groups reported side effects from their therapy, but most side effects were mild. The results indicate that a five-day course of once-daily azithromycin is as effective as a 10-day course of three times-daily cefaclor for treating LRTIs, a common, but potentially life-threatening condition. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
A study was carried out at 13 medical centers to compare the effectiveness of azithromycin, a new azalide antibiotic, with that of amoxicillin for treating acute maxillary sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses between the eyes and upper jaw). Seventy-eight patients were randomly assigned to receive either azithromycin (41 subjects) or amoxicillin (37 subjects): of these, 38 completed the study and were considered evaluable. The diagnosis of acute sinusitis was made when bacteria were identified in sinus fluid. After treatment started, patients were examined on days 6, 11, 18, and 30. Results showed a bacteriologic cure rate of 100 percent in both groups. Both treatment groups indicated only mild side effects, which were reported by 4.9 percent of the azithromycin patients and 8.1 percent of the amoxicillin patients. Azithromycin was given five times over a 5-day period, whereas 30 doses of amoxicillin were given over 10 days. The fact that the former drug was effective with fewer doses should improve patient compliance. Azithromycin seems to be a well-tolerated, effective drug for treating acute sinusitis. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic: