Comparison of the efficacy and safety of ceftibuten and cefaclor in the treatment of pneumonia and bronchiectasis.

In a multicentre, international study of 187 adult patients with bacterial pneumonia or bronchiectasis, the safety and efficacy of a regimen of 200 mg ceftibuten administered twice-daily was compared with cefaclor given in a dosage of 500 mg three times a day. Of the 94 evaluable patients, 66 received ceftibuten and 28 received cefaclor. The overall bacteriological response was similar in the two treatment groups with elimination of the original pathogen in 91% and 89% of the patients receiving ceftibuten and cefaclor, respectively. The overall clinical response mirrored the bacteriological results with a successful clinical outcome in 92% of ceftibuten-treated patients compared with 93% in patients receiving cefaclor. Adverse experiences were, in general, few and mild, being reported in 8% and 17% of patients receiving ceftibuten and cefaclor, respectively.