Treatment of upper and lower respiratory tract infections: clinical trials with cefprozil.

The oral second generation cephalosporin cefprozil has a broad spectrum microbiologic profile, with good in vitro activity against respiratory pathogens; 90% or more of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis isolates are susceptible to cefprozil. Clinical trials of cefprozil have consistently demonstrated good clinical success rates in upper and lower respiratory tract infections, including otitis media, sinusitis, pharyngitis/ tonsillitis and acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. Most recently cefprozil has demonstrated success in children with recurrent and persistent acute otitis media. Data from clinical trials including more than 4000 children and adults have shown that cefprozil is well-tolerated. The most common adverse events associated with cefprozil are gastrointestinal disturbances (i.e. diarrhea and nausea). In two patient satisfaction surveys (pediatric and adult), cefprozil was cited for having a low incidence of side effects and was rated by children as having a pleasing taste. These data indicate that cefprozil is a practical therapeutic choice for the treatment of upper and lower respiratory tract infections.