A comparison of the efficacy, tolerability and safety of azithromycin and co-amoxiclav in the treatment of sinusitis in adults.

Abstract

The efficacy, tolerability and safety of azithromycin and co-amoxiclav in the treatment of non-severe acute maxillary/ethmoidal sinusitis were compared in a randomized, open clinical trial in 254 adult patients. The predominant pathogens were Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae (83 patients). Azithromycin was administered orally to 165 patients at a single daily dose of 500 mg for 3 days, and co-amoxiclav (4:1) to 89 patients, at a dose of 500 mg three times daily for 10 days. The overall clinical response rates were 87.5% for azithromycin and 83.7% for co-amoxiclav at follow-up (day 21-28). Microbiological responses to both drugs were good, with only five patients in each group having a persistent infection after treatment. Both drugs were well tolerated and produced similar incidences of adverse events, which were mostly gastrointestinal. Azithromycin was as effective, and as well tolerated as co-amoxiclav, and its shorter simpler dosing regime may offer advantages in compliance and cost.

• Authors: P A Clement, J B de Gandt
• Journal: The Journal of international medical research (J Int Med Res) 1998 Mar-Apr Vol. 26 Issue 2 Pg. 66-75 ISSN: 0300-0605 [Print] England
• PMID: 9602984 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents
• Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination
• Azithromycin

Topics

• Administration, Oral
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Anti-Bacterial Agents (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Azithromycin (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Drug Therapy, Combination (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Ethmoid Sinusitis (drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Haemophilus Infections (drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Haemophilus influenzae (isolation & purification)
• Humans
• Maxillary Sinusitis (drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Middle Aged
• Pneumococcal Infections (drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Streptococcus pneumoniae (isolation & purification)