Carumonam versus ceftazidime for urinary tract infections

Carumonam is a new monobactam antibiotic with potent activity against gram-negative aerobes. To study the efficacy and safety of carumonam for treatment of complicated and uncomplicated urinary tract infections, 54 patients were randomized to therapy with either carumonam or ceftazidime. Of 42 patients who could be evaluated, 82% of the carumonam-treated patients and 80% of the ceftazidime-treated patients were cured clinically. At 5 to 9 days posttherapy, microbiologic criteria indicated that 13 carumonam-treated patients (48%) and 8 ceftazidime-treated patients (53%) were cured. Patients with indwelling bladder catheters at the end of therapy had a markedly worse microbiologic outcome than those without catheters. Enterococcus sp. reinfection was common in both groups. Possible adverse clinical and laboratory reactions occurred in six carumonam-treated patients (21%) and four ceftazidime-treated patients (27%). Most reactions occurred at the end of therapy and resolved with discontinuation of the study drug. In this small study, carumonam appeared as safe and as effective as ceftazidime for the treatment of complicated and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.