Multinational multicenter controlled trial comparing ceftibuten with cefaclor for the treatment of acute otitis media

A randomized, controlled, single blind clinical trial was conducted in children with acute otitis media to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a 10-day course of therapy with ceftibuten 9 mg/kg taken as a single daily dose, up to a maximum daily dose of 400 mg, compared with cefaclor 40 mg/kg/day in three divided doses, up to a maximum of 1 g/day. Patients were evaluated any time from 1 to 3 days after completion of therapy (posttreatment follow-up). A total of 154 patients (106 ceftibuten, 48 cefaclor) were evaluable for efficacy. Clinical success as determined by resolution (cure) or improvement of signs and symptoms of infection were seen in 89 and 88% of patients treated with ceftibuten and cefaclor, respectively, at the posttreatment follow-up visit. At the extended follow-up visit (any time from 2 to 4 weeks after completion of therapy), clinical success was sustained in 88 and 82% of the ceftibuten-treated and cefaclor-treated patients, respectively. A total of 391 patients (264 ceftibuten, 127 cefaclor) were included in the safety analysis. Treatment-related adverse experiences occurred in 8% of ceftibuten-treated patients and 14% of cefaclor-treated patients. All were mild or moderate and the majority were gastrointestinal. There were no deaths or serious adverse events. The results of this study suggest that ceftibuten is an effective and well-tolerated alternative to other antibiotic therapies for the treatment of children with acute otitis media.