Therapeutics and Drug Brief
Moxifloxacin and Azithromycin in Chronic Bronchitis Treatment
Source: Kreis SR, et al. Journal of Clinical Outcomes Management. 2000;7(12):33-37.
Optimum treatment for acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECB) remains a matter of heated debate. Because AECB are common and a substantial minority of such cases result in hospitalization, refining treatment choices may help clinicians improve outcomes.
The trial enrolled 401 patients with AECB, defined as increased sputum purulence plus increased sputum volume, cough, or dyspnea. Patients were randomized to receive a five-day course of moxifloxacin (n = 203) 400 mg qd, or azithromycin (n = 198) 500 mg day 1, then 250 mg qd ´ 4. At the test of cure visit, patient outcomes were examined including the number of days until symptom relief, days until resuming normal activity, and hours of work missed.
Both regimens were highly effective for clinical resolution. Patients in the moxifloxacin group had a slightly more rapid recovery (symptomatic relief by day 3: moxifloxacin = 40%, azithro-mycin = 27%). Kreis and associates conclude that moxifloxacin is as effective for AECB resolution and may offer more rapid return to normal activities for some individuals.
The Therapeutics & Drug Brief was written by Louis Kuritzky, MD, Clinical Professor, University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla.
You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
- Award-winning Medical Content
- Latest Advances & Development in Medicine
- Unbiased Content