[Experience with cefaclor in the treatment of ear, nose and throat infections. Indications for cefaclor therapy (author's transl)]

Abstract

The efficacy and tolerance of the new oral cephalosporin cefaclor was tested in 61 patients treated for a variety of moderate to severe ENT infections which were not expected to undergo a spontaneous remission without antibacterial therapy. The most frequently isolated pathogens were streptococci and Staphylococcus aureus. The dosage consisted of 500 mg cefaclor three times daily, and the treatment lasted between 4 and 43 days (average 14 days). In 35 cases, some of whom had already been treated unsuccussfully with another antibiotic, the results were very good. In 22 patients locally applied medicaments or surgery contributed to the good result. In four patients an unequivocal evaluation was not possible or therapy was not successful. The frequently noted rapid response to treatment with cefaclor was impressive. No relapses were recorded. In pharmacokinetic studies a cefaclor concentration of 2.8 mcg/g was obtained in the tonsils 90 minutes after oral administration of 1000 mg. Clinical examinations in 61 patients and a complete range of laboratory tests in 47 patients did not reveal any case of allergic reaction. One patient only complained of nausea and diarrhoea. In two patients temporary low grade thrombopenia and thrombocytosis respectively were observed. In several patients a slight transitory rise in transaminases was seen. Cefaclor thus proved to be an effective and well-tolerated antibiotic. Its indications in the treatment of ENT infections are discussed.