Safety and efficacy of cefixime in treatment of respiratory tract infections in Germany.

From October, 1993 to August, 1994, a post-marketing surveillance study enrolled 9,568 adults and children treated for respiratory tract infections with cefixime in a daily dose of 400 mg or 8 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Twice daily dosage was preferred with adults (60.4%) and children (54.4%). Bronchitis (45.5%) and otitis media (48.0%) were the most frequent indications given for cefixime use in adults and children, respectively. Bacterial analysis was done in 5.4% of adults and in 6.5% of children. With a median therapy of 6 days, cure or improvement was reported in 98.7% of adult patients and in 98.0% of children. Symptoms rapidly improved in a majority of patients. Adverse events occurred in 1.12% of adult patients and 1.92% of children. In 96.7% of all cases the dry syrup was very well or well accepted by children. In conclusion, high efficacy and low incidence of side effects make cefixime a drug of choice for treatment of respiratory tract infections.