Comparative multicentre evaluation of the safety and efficacy of ceftazidime versus cefamandole for pneumonia.

Ceftazidime and cefamandole were compared in a randomized multicentre trial in hospitalized patients with pneumonia. Of 290 patients enrolled, 92 patients in the ceftazidime group and 71 patients in the cefamandole group were evaluable. Geometric mean MICs of organisms isolated and tested to ceftazidime were within achievable therapeutic serum concentrations of ceftazidime. Satisfactory clinical responses were observed in 91% (84/92) of ceftazidime-treated patients and 83% (59/71) of cefamandole-treated patients (P greater than 0.05). Superinfection occurred in one (1%) ceftazidime-treated patient and in five (7%) cefamandole-treated patients. Side effects were infrequent with either treatment. Ceftazidime is as safe and effective as cefamandole for the treatment of pneumonia due to a variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens.