Comparison of azithromycin and doxycycline in the treatment of non-gonococcal urethritis in men.
Azithromycin has activity in vitro against Chlamydia trachomatis, and its novel pharmacokinetics suggest that even single doses may be effective in the treatment of non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU). This study compared the efficacy and safety of a single 1 g oral dose of azithromycin versus doxycycline 100 mg bid for seven days in the treatment of NGU. Men with symptoms and/or signs of NGU, and with > or = 5 polymorphonuclear leucocytes/high-power field in a Gram's-stained urethral smear, were recruited. Investigations included endourethral swabs for C. trachomatis cell culture. Patients were randomized to receive azithromycin or doxycycline, and were re-assessed on day 7-10 and on day 14-21. Of the 143 men recruited, C. trachomatis was isolated from 51 (40%) of the 128 evaluable patients. Both treatments were well tolerated and had comparable cure rates. Azithromycin 1 g appears to be an effective and safe alternative to doxycycline for the treatment of chlamydial and non-chlamydial urethritis, and its single-dose administration is an advantage in terms of patient compliance.
Department of Genito-Urinary Medicine, University College Hospital, London, UK.
P J
PJ
Lister
T
T
Balechandran
G L
GL
Ridgway
A J
AJ
Robinson
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D017963:Azithromycin; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis; D004318:Doxycycline / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004917:Erythromycin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009344:Neisseria gonorrhoeae; D016870:Neisseriaceae Infections; D014526:Urethritis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology
D004917:Erythromycin; D017963:Azithromycin; D004318:Doxycycline