Use of ticarcillin disodium plus clavulanate potassium in the management of acute bacterial infections in children.

Ticarcillin disodium plus clavulanate potassium (in a ratio of 30:1) was used to treat 30 children (mean age equal to 4.9 years) with acute infections of the urinary tract, skeletal system, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, skin and subcutaneous tissue, and blood. The drug was administered by the intravenous or intramuscular route in a dose of 310 mg/kg per day in six divided doses (26 patients) or 207 mg/kg per day in four divided doses (four patients). Duration of therapy ranged from two to 14 days (mean equal to 5.4 days), and resolution of infection was quite satisfactory in all cases, including those involving beta-lactamase-producing bacteria, although reinfection occurred five days after successful therapy of a urinary tract infection due to Escherichia coli. No adverse clinical or biochemical changes attributable to administration of ticarcillin disodium plus clavulanate potassium were observed. Ticarcillin disodium plus clavulanate potassium appears to be safe and effective therapy for a wide range of acute infections in children, including those caused by at least some pathogens that produce beta-lactamase.