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Antibiotics for the common cold
1General Practice, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand. b.arroll@auckland.ac.nz
Background:
The common cold is caused by viruses which cannot be helped by antibiotics.
Objectives:
The objective of this review was to assess the effects of antibiotics for the common cold.
Search Strategy:
We searched the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Family Medicine Database, and reference lists of articles, and we contacted principal investigators. The most recent search was in December 1998.
Selection Criteria:
Randomised trials comparing any antibiotic therapy with placebo in acute upper respiratory tract infections.
Data Collection And Analysis:
Both reviewers independently assessed trial quality and extracted data.
Main Results:
Main results: Seven trials involving 2056 people aged between six months and 49 years were included. The overall quality of the included trials was variable. People receiving antibiotics did not do better in terms of cure or improvement than those on placebo (odds ratio 0.95, 95% confidence interval 0.70 to 1.28 fixed effects model). One study found a significant benefit for antibiotics compared with placebo for runny nose (clear or purulent). The only other study to evaluate purulent nasal discharge found no significant benefit for antibiotics. Only one study reported work time lost with 22% of those on antibiotic treatment and 25% of those on placebo but this was not significant. Patients treated with antibiotics had a significant increase in side effects (odds ratio 2.72, 95% confidence interval 1.02 to 7.27, random effects model).
Reviewers' Conclusions:
There is not enough evidence of important benefits from the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections with antibiotics and there is a significant increase in adverse effects associated with antibiotic use.
Insights
Antibiotics do not effectively treat the common cold, offering no significant benefits over placebo. Patients taking antibiotics experienced more adverse effects, highlighting the risks of unnecessary antibiotic use for viral infections.
Area of Science:
- Medical research
- Infectious diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The common cold is a viral illness, making antibiotics ineffective for treatment.
- Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of antibiotic use for the common cold.
- To synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials on antibiotic treatment for acute upper respiratory tract infections.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
- Searched multiple databases including Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, MEDLINE, and EMBASE up to December 1998.
- Included seven trials with 2056 participants aged six months to 49 years.
Main Results:
- Antibiotic treatment showed no significant improvement in cure or symptom resolution compared to placebo.
- A potential benefit for clear or purulent runny nose was noted in one study, but not consistently found.
- Antibiotic use was associated with a significant increase in adverse side effects.
Conclusions:
- Insufficient evidence supports the use of antibiotics for treating upper respiratory tract infections like the common cold.
- The increased risk of adverse effects outweighs any potential benefits of antibiotics for viral infections.