Treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive airways disease--a comparison of amoxycillin and ciprofloxacin

Abstract

Ciprofloxacin and amoxycillin were compared in the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive airways disease. One hundred and forty patients were evaluable for overall outcome: 60 patients' sputum specimens yielded positive bacteriological cultures. The predominant pathogens were Haemophilus influenzae (43.3%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (25.0%). Both regimens were safe and produced few adverse effects. An independent observer judged ciprofloxacin to produce a 91.8% success rate (complete success 21.9%; partial success 69.9%) whilst a 73.1% rate (complete success 10.4%; partial success 62.7%) was seen with amoxycillin.