Efficacy and tolerance of cefodizime in the treatment of acute pyelonephritis.

The efficacy and tolerance of cefodizime in the treatment of acute pyelonephritis were evaluated in an open, international, multicentre study. In total, 128 patients were treated with 1 g cefodizime bd iv or im for a mean of 8.3 days. Underlying urinary tract abnormalities were present in 35% of cases. The most frequently isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli (79/97 evaluable cases) and Proteus mirabilis (8/97 evaluable cases). The overall clinical and bacteriological success rate was 89.7% (87/97). The drug was well tolerated, with only a few mild and transitory adverse events. Tolerance at the site of injection was good in 97.5% (78/80) of those treated iv, and 79% (38/48) of those treated im. Three patients had skin reactions which were probably related to cefodizime. Alterations of laboratory parameters were seen transiently in five patients (3.9%). Cefodizime is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of acute pyelonephritis.