[Efficacy and tolerability of cefixime in urinary tract infections in adults. A French multicentric study].

Cefixime is a new oral antibiotic with in vitro activity similar to that of parenteral third generation cephalosporins. It exhibits good in vitro activity against most pathogens causing urinary tract infections. The effectiveness and safety of cefixime were evaluated in a multicentre study involving 68 patients (45 with acute pyelonephritis, 15 with lower urinary tract infections and 8 with infections of undetermined location); 55 of these patients were assessable in terms of effectiveness. Clinical cure was achieved in 50 cases. The causative agent was always eradicated. During the 3 to 8 weeks' follow-up period, relapses occurred in 5 patients with pyelonephritis. Adverse effects were reported by 2 patients. Biological manifestations (thrombocytosis, elevated ASAT and ALAT) were noted in 5 cases. Cefixime is a safe and effective antibiotic for the treatment of urinary tract infections.