Three-day and seven-day treatment in acute otitis media: a double-blind antibiotic trial

Abstract

Ninety-six children with acute otitis media were randomized into a double-blind general practice trial of three-day and seven-day courses of cefaclor 125 mg tds. These regimens were equally effective in terms of resolution of symptoms and signs of otitis media, even in children presenting with bulging of the tympanic membrane. There was no difference between the groups in the recurrence of middle-ear infection during the six weeks after entry to the trial. The results provide further evidence about the effectiveness of short courses of antibiotics for children with presumed middle-ear infection.