A randomised, prospective, single-blind comparison of cefadroxil and amoxycillin in the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.

Cefadroxil 1 g twice daily and amoxycillin 500 mg three times a day were compared in 111 patients suffering from acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. Treatment was for seven days. Excellent or good clinical responses were found in 85 per cent of cases receiving cefadroxil and 81 per cent of patients taking amoxycillin. However, residual symptoms of cough and rhonchi were present to a statistically significantly greater extent in the amoxycillin group. Tolerance of both drugs was good with mild to moderate side effects reported in seven of 54 patients in the cefadroxil group and six of 56 patients taking amoxycillin. Severe nausea and vomiting in two cases in the amoxycillin group resulted in discontinuation of therapy. Microbiological examination of sputum samples showed pathogenic bacteria in 16 per cent, principally Haemophilus influenzae. Amoxycillin 500 mg tds and cefadroxil 1 g bd were equally effective in the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.