Cefpodoxime proxetil in the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections.

Abstract

Cefpodoxime proxetil is the orally absorbed ester of cefpodoxime, a new third generation cephalosporin. In the gastrointestinal tract, cefpodoxime proxetil is hydrolysed to cefpodoxime, which has potent antibacterial activity against the major bacterial pathogens involved in lower respiratory tract infections: Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis (including beta-lactamase-producing strains), and Streptococcus pneumoniae (including amoxicillin-resistant strains). Six randomised comparative studies in patients with lower respiratory tract infections, 5 of which were large (enrollment of more than 200 patients) and double-blind, examined the efficacy and safety of cefpodoxime proxetil. Cefpodoxime proxetil (at a dosage equivalent to 200mg of cefpodoxime) administered twice daily for 5 to 10 days was similar in clinical and bacteriological efficacy to the following: amoxicillin 500mg 3 times daily in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia; intramuscular ceftriaxone Ig once daily in the treatment of pulmonary infections in hospitalised patients; and to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid 500/125mg 3 times daily in the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECB). Additionally, a dosage equivalent to 100mg or 200mg of cefpodoxime twice daily was similar in clinical and bacteriological efficacy to amoxicillin 250mg 3 times daily in the treatment of bronchitis (acute or AECB). The adverse events noted with cefpodoxime proxetil administration were similar to those associated with other beta-lactam antibacterials and most commonly involved the gastrointestinal tract and skin or mucous membranes. Thus, cefpodoxime proxetil is a useful addition to the antibacterials available for the treatment of infections of the lower respiratory tract.

• Authors: A M Geddes
• Journal: Drugs (Drugs) Vol. 42 Suppl 3 Pg. 34-40 ( 1991) ISSN: 0012-6667 [Print] New Zealand
• PMID: 1726206 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Prodrugs
• cefpodoxime proxetil
• Ceftizoxime

Topics

• Aged
• Bronchitis (drug therapy, etiology)
• Ceftizoxime (adverse effects, analogs & derivatives, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic use)
• Haemophilus Infections (drug therapy, metabolism)
• Haemophilus influenzae
• Humans
• Moraxella catarrhalis
• Neisseriaceae Infections (drug therapy, metabolism)
• Pneumococcal Infections (drug therapy, metabolism)
• Prodrugs (therapeutic use)
• Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
• Respiratory Tract Infections (drug therapy, metabolism)
• Streptococcus pneumoniae