A comparison of the efficacy and safety of cefuroxime axetil and augmentin in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections

Abstract

Cefuroxime axetil (CAE), an orally absorbed prodrug of cefuroxime, was evaluated for its efficacy and safety in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections (tonsillitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis and otitis media) in general practice in the United Kingdom. A total of 385 patients aged 14 or over were enrolled in a randomized study to compare cefuroxime axetil 250 mg b.d. for 5 days with amoxycillin/clavulanate (Augmentin, AUG) 375 mg t.d.s. for 5 days. Of 175 clinically assessable patients treated with cefuroxime axetil, 136 were cured and 33 improved (97% success rate). Of 188 assessable patients given Augmentin, 155 were cured and 29 improved (98% success rate). Sixty-four patients treated with cefuroxime axetil were evaluable for bacteriological response: 47 (73%) of the causative pathogens were eradicated, as compared with 62 of 86 (72%) in patients treated with Augmentin. Thirteen out of 181 (7%) patients treated with cefuroxime axetil experienced drug-related adverse events, including 4% with diarrhoea. In the Augmentin group 24 out of 204 (12%) patients had a drug-related adverse event, including 5% with diarrhoea. In conclusion, cefuroxime axetil at a dose of 250 mg b.d. appears to be as safe and effective as Augmentin at the higher dose of 375 mg t.d.s. in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections.