The incidence of adverse reactions from steroid/antiinfective combinations

Steroid/antiinfective combinations have a number of advantages over the separate ingredients, but the possibility of complications has been a subject of concern. Based on data obtained from the files of eight pharmaceutical companies and the health registry records of the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand for the period 1964-1973, it is concluded that the statistical incidence of adverse reactions was no greater with the steroid/antiinfective combinations than with their separate ingredients. In addition, there was no increase in incidence of the reactions during the same period with combinations. These conclusions were borne out by adverse reaction data reported in the literature and in certain unpublished prospective clinical studies. It was not feasible to obtain data from ophthalmologists who may have observed adverse reactions, but not reported them. A critical evaluation by Dr. Philip Ellis follows the review.