Clinical efficacy oantimicrobial drugs for acute otitis media : randomized comparative study of amoxycillin versus other extended spectrum antimicrobials

Abstract EN

Objective : To evaluate the difference in clinical efficacy between Amoxycillin and other broad spectrum antibiotics (Ao^cillin-clavulanate and Cefaclor) in the treatment of acute otitis media (AOM) in infants and children.

Methods: One hundred and twenty patients aged 6 months to 5 years with AOM were randomly allocated to 3 treatment groups.

Group A was treated with amoxycillin, group B and c randomly treated either with amoxycillin-clavulanat،؛ or Cefaclor.

AOM was diagnosed on clinical grounds, including proper pneumatic otoscopic examination.

Subjects were followed up for one month.

Enrolment criteria, exclusion criteria, follow up intervals and compliance monitor were similar in three groups.

Clinical response of subjects in all groups was statistically analysed.

Results : Overall 67 of 98 (68.4%) subjects were considered cured or improved at 21-30 days post therapy visit.

Out of 40 patients treated with amoxycillin, 28 (70 %) were considered cured or improved.

The same status was noted for 22 of 30 (73 %) patients treated with a!^x^illin-clavulanate and 17 of 28 (61%) patients treated with Cefaclor.

No significant differences were found in the comparative clinical efficacy of anti-microbial agents used.

B-lactamase-stable agents did not significantly increase the cure rates ofAOM.

Conclusion : The empiric selection of an antibiotic for treatment ofAOM should be based ٠١١ the cost effectiveness, safety and tolerability.

It was concluded that amoxycillin is the drug of choice for empiric therapy ofAOM.