Magnapen treatment of infections in the elderly.

Magnapen is a combination of two well-proven semi-snythetic penicillins which together offer the theoretical advantages of a broad spectrum of activity, good bioavailability and a low incidence of side-effects. It is of particular value in treating infections in the elderly. In this study the theory is borne out in practice in a population presenting special problems for which this combination seems particularly appropriate. Ninety-six patients have been treated with a course of Magnapen syrup. Of the total entered into the study, 73% of patients were clinically cured following therapy, with a further 19% improved. Clinical failure occurred in 8% of patients. Fifty-two patients were bacteriologically assessable, forty-seven of whom (90%) had infecting organisms cleared by therapy. Side-effects occurred in four patients (4%), one of whom had to discontinue therapy.