CEFODIZIME GIVEN IN SINGLE OR DIVIDED DOSES FOR THE TREATMENT OF LOWER RESPIRATORY-TRACT INFECTION

The safety and efficacy of two dose regimens of cefodizime (GAS 69739- 16-8, HR 221) in hospitalized patients with lower respiratory tract in fections were assessed in two consecutive studies. Sputum bacteriology , chest X-ray and a safety laboratory check were performed at baseline and after therapy. In order to compensate for the lack of a double-bl ind design the evaluation was conducted as a clinical intention-to-tre at analysis. 32 patients (16 males, 16 females, mean age: 64 years) we re admitted to study A and 42 subjects (30 males, 12 females, mean age : 66 years) to study B. The dosage regimens of cefodizime were 1 g b.i .d. (median 7 days) in study A and 2 g once daily (median 6 days) in s tudy B. Parenchymal involvement was confirmed by chest X-ray in 56 % o f the patients in study A and 64 % in study B, the remainder patients had acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis with reasonable evidence of bacterial infection. The most frequent pathogens were Streptococcu s pneumoniae and Haemophilus spp. The clinical cure rate was 97 % in s tudy A and 88 % in study B. Eradication rates were 100 % and 94 %, res pectively. No superinfection occurred. No adverse reactions were obser ved. In conclusion, a single daily injection of cefodizime 2 g achieve d similar clinical and bacteriological cure rates to the standard dose regimen of 1 g b.i.d.