Abstract

ABSTRACT: Cefuroxime axetil and cefaclor were compared for efficacy in the treatment of acute otitis media with effusion. Sixty-four pediatric outpatients had tympanocentesis for culture, and then were randomized to a ten-day course of treatment with cefuroxime axetil or cefaclor. Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae were isolated from 25 (39%) and 23 (36%) patients, respectively. Treatment was beneficial in 26 (90%) of the patients who received cefuroxime axetil, and in 16 (76%) of the cefaclor-treated patients. Treatment failed in five (24%) of the cefaclor-treated patients, and in only three (10%) patients who received cefuroxime axetil. Haemophilus influenzae was the initial causative pathogen in a disproportionate number of treatment failures. This study demonstrates the efficacy of cefuroxime axetil in the treatment of otitis media.