Clinical trials of cefpodoxime proxetil suspension in paediatrics.

The pharmacokinetics, bacteriological and clinical efficacy, and safety of the suspension formulation of cefpodoxime proxetil, an oral cephalosporin antibacterial, were evaluated in paediatric patients with various infections. With single doses of 3 and 6 mg/kg (cefpodoxime equivalent) a dose response was evident in the serum concentration values. Absorption, as evidenced by serum concentrations and areas under the concentration-time curve, was enhanced when the suspension was administered before a meal. The overall clinical efficacy (defined as an excellent or good response) in evaluable patients (those from whom a pathogen was isolated) was 94.7% (451 of 476). Bacteriological eradication rates were as follows: Gram-positive bacteria 91.3%; Gram-negative bacteria 88.6%, and 90.0% overall. Side effects occurred in 17 (2.29%) patients, and transient and reversible abnormal laboratory values were found in a few patients.