Randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter trial to compare the efficacy and safety of metronidazole and satranidazole in patients with amebic liver abscess.

The aims of our randomized, single-blind trial involving 49 patients were to study the efficacy, side effects, and tolerance of metronidazole and satranidazole in patients of amebic liver abscess. Twenty-five patients received metronidazole (800 mg TID) and 24 received satranidazole (300 mg TID with placebo at mealtime). Patients recorded side effects and tolerability through a performa. The time taken for resolution of fever and pain and the fall in abscess size was not significant. However, tolerance of satranidazole as reported by the patients was significantly better than metronidazole (P < .005). The incidence of adverse effects was significantly lower in the group given satranidazole (P < .005). The incidence of nausea and metallic taste was significantly lower in the patients given satranidazole (P < .005). Thus, despite having a similar efficacy, satranidazole showed a far lower incidence of side effects and had a significantly better tolerance than Metronidazole.