[Multicenter study of the clinical efficacy and tolerance of roxithromycin compared to erythromycin ethylsuccinate in lower respiratory tract infections].

In a double blind, randomised investigation in 193 hospitalized patients, with low respiratory infections, roxithromycin (150 mg bd) and erythromycin ethylsuccinate (1 g bd) were compared. Assessment of safety was made in 183 patients and clinical response in 155 patients. The mean duration of treatment was 11 days in both groups. Clinical effectiveness was 82% (67/82) for roxithromycin and 77% (56/73) for erythromycin ethylsuccinate. Roxithromycin appears to have a good effectiveness and to be effective as erythromycin ethylsuccinate. The safety profile is satisfactory in both groups.