Comparison of cefonicid and cefamandole for the treatment of community-acquired infections of the lower respiratory tract.
Cefonicid is a new "second-generation" parenteral cephalosporin with an antibacterial spectrum similar to that of cefamandole. It has, however, somewhat less activity in vitro against gram-positive cocci. Because of high blood levels and long serum half-life, daily dosing with cefonicid is feasible. Patients with community-acquired infections of the lower respiratory tract were randomized in a ratio of 2:1 to receive cefonicid once daily or cefamandole every 6 hr. All doses were 1,000 mg except for 13 patients given 500 mg of cefonicid. Of 100 patients evaluated, 66 received the study drug. Most infections were due to Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae. One-fourth of the patients had no demonstrable pathogen. Ninety-four percent of both groups were cured or improved by therapy. No significant toxicity or adverse effects were seen with cefonicid. One dose per day of cefonicid is adequate therapy for many patients having community-acquired pneumonia who might otherwise be treated with cefamandole.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002435:Cefamandole / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015790:Cefonicid; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005260:Female; D006192:Haemophilus Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D006193:Haemophilus influenzae; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011018:Pneumonia, Pneumococcal / Q000188:drug therapy; D011897:Random Allocation; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*
D002435:Cefamandole; D015790:Cefonicid