Clinical evaluation of cefotetan in the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections.

Cefotetan, a new cephamycin antibiotic, was evaluated for the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections. Intravenous cefotetan (2 g every 12 h) was administered for 4 to 8 days (mean, 5.8 days) to 56 hospitalized adult patients. Of the 41 evaluable patients, the clinical response was satisfactory in 38 (93%) and the bacteriological response was satisfactory in 36 (88%). The drug was well tolerated, and there were minimal complaints or changes in clinical laboratory values. From these preliminary results, cefotetan appears to be safe and effective for the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections.