Comparison of the efficacy and safety of a short course of ceftibuten with that of amoxycillin/clavulanate in the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis

The efficacy and safety of short course ceftibuten (400 mg od for 5 days; n=163) were compared with that of amoxycillin/clavulanate (AMX/CA) (250/125 mg tds for 10 days; n=172) in a multicentre, single-blind, parallel-group trial in 335 adults with acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECB). Clinical response was equivalent, with cure or improvement in 134/145 (92.4%) ceftibuten-treated patients and 139/150 (92.7%) AMX/CA-treated patients (95% CI: −7.00%, +6.50%). The overall eradication rates were similar (ceftibuten 88.3%; AMX/CA 87.5%) and also the incidence of adverse events which occurred in 24/163 (14.7%) ceftibuten-treated and 27/172 (15.5%) AMX/CA-treated patients. Ceftibuten 400 mg od for 5 days is as effective and well tolerated as AMX/CA 250 mg tds for 10 days in the treatment of AECB.