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Cephalexin monohydrate suspension. Treatment of otitis media
Abstract:
Cephalexin monohydrate suspension was used in the treatment of 97 children with otitis media. Pretreatment middle-ear exudate specimens in pure or mixed culture yielded Diplococcus pneumoniae in 47 cases, Haemophilus influenzae in 26, Neisseria catarrhalis in 20, group A beta-hemolytic streptococci in 13, and Staphylococcus aureus in one. The usual dosage was 100 mg/kg/day given orally in divided doses for 10 to 12 days. After 48 hours of treatment, follow-up cultures showed that therapy had been successful in 90 children; 81 remained clinically and bacteriologically free of disease for at least three weeks following therapy. Of the seven children for whom therapy failed, H influenzae persisted in five and D pneumoniae in two. Acceptance of the drug was entirely satisfactory with no important side effects encountered.
Insights
Cephalexin monohydrate suspension effectively treated otitis media in 97 children. Most patients showed clinical and bacteriologic clearance, with minimal side effects, indicating its efficacy in pediatric ear infections.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Pharmacology and therapeutics
Background:
- Otitis media is a common childhood infection.
- Bacterial pathogens like Diplococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae are frequent causes.
- Effective antibiotic treatment is crucial for managing otitis media.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of cephalexin monohydrate suspension in treating pediatric otitis media.
- To identify the causative pathogens and assess treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 97 children diagnosed with otitis media.
- Treatment with cephalexin monohydrate suspension at a dosage of 100 mg/kg/day for 10-12 days.
- Bacteriologic cultures of middle-ear exudate before and after treatment.
Main Results:
- Successful therapy was observed in 90 out of 97 children within 48 hours.
- 81 children remained clinically and bacteriologically disease-free for at least three weeks post-therapy.
- Treatment failure occurred in 7 children, with persistent H. influenzae or D. pneumoniae.
Conclusions:
- Cephalexin monohydrate suspension demonstrates high efficacy and a favorable safety profile for treating pediatric otitis media.
- The antibiotic is well-tolerated, with no significant adverse effects reported.
- It provides a reliable treatment option for common bacterial pathogens causing otitis media.