Clarithromycin versus amoxicillin-clavulanic acid in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 1997 Nov;16(11):783-8. doi: 10.1007/BF01700406.

Abstract

In an open, prospective, randomised study, the clinical and bacteriological efficacy of intravenously administered clarithromycin was compared with that of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid in 112 patients with community-acquired pneumonia requiring hospitalisation. Clinical cure or improvement occurred in 86% (48/56) of the clarithromycin-treated patients and 84% (47/56) of the amoxicillin-clavulanic acid-treated patients. The rate of bacteriologic eradication was similar for the two drugs as were the rapidity of a clinical response and the rate of improvement of radiological signs. Clarithromycin had a slightly higher rate of side-effects mainly due to phlebitis caused by the intravenous treatment, but treatment could be continued in all cases. Clarithromycin should be used with caution in patients being treated with digoxin because of a significant risk of bradycardia resulting from drug interaction.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination / therapeutic use*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Clarithromycin / therapeutic use*
  • Community-Acquired Infections / drug therapy*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pneumonia, Bacterial / drug therapy*
  • Prospective Studies

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination
  • Clarithromycin