Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid vs cefetamet pivoxil in the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (AECB) in adults.

In this open comparative and prospective study 180 adults of either sex were randomised to treatment with either amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (AMC) 500/125mg tid or cefetamet pivoxil (CAT) 500mg bid for 7 days. Demographic data and assessable findings were similar in both groups. Clinical outcomes of 169 assessable patients showed high efficacy of both drugs: 92% with AMC and 96% with CAT. Bacteriological response rates were equivalent in 141 evaluable cases: 84% vs. 89%, respectively. Baseline susceptibility testing (DIN) revealed a notable number of Haemophilus species either intermediately susceptible or resistant to AMC. Gastrointestinal disorders predominated among the adverse events with diarrhea occurring nearly twice as often in the AMC group. CAT is an effective and safe alternative option in the treatment of AECB in adults. The advantage of CAT is its enhanced activity against gram-negative bacteria. It is well tolerated.