[Efficacy and tolerability of cefixime in the treatment of otorhinolaryngeal infections in adults].

Cefixime was used in the treatment of 59 patients, 44 of whom had sinusitis, 9 otitis media and 6 various ENT infections. The clinical and bacteriological effectiveness of the drug could be evaluated in 44 patients and its safety in all 59 patients. The most common responsible pathogens were Haemophilus influenzae, streptococci including Streptococcus pneumoniae and various Enterobacteriaceae. In more than 50 per cent of the cases, the clinical picture was one of acute exacerbation of a chronic infection. The patients received cefixime 200 mg b.d. for a mean duration of 12 days. Clinical cure was achieved in 80 per cent. Fourteen out of 44 patients underwent surgery. Minor abdominal discomfort was reported by 15 per cent of the patients, and one discontinued therapy because of side-effects. Cefixime was effective and well tolerated. It is suitable for the treatment of ENT infections in adults, such as those treated in this study.