An evaluation of the safety and tolerance of Timentin

The safety and tolerance of four intravenous formulations of Timentin (ticarcillin + clavulanic acid) have been evaluated in 1659 patients (1512 adults and 147 paediatric) included in clinical trials conducted in Europe and U.S.A. Timentin 3.2 and 5.2 g were administered respectively to 877 and 635 adults and Timentin 1.6 and 2.6 g to 117 and 30 paediatric patients three, four or six times daily for between 7.7 and 9.0 days in adults and 8.0 and 12.0 days in paediatric cases. Patients with septicaemia were 16%, 14% and 28% respectively of the Timentin 3.2, 5.2 g and paediatric groups, which together with respiratory tract and other serious miscellaneous infections accounted for the majority of cases treated within these three groups. Of the 1659 patients studied, 161 adverse reactions were reported from 151 patients (9.1%), 36 of which (2.2%) resulted in discontinuation of treatment. The reactions were at the injection site in 86 cases (5.2%), hypersensitivity in 35 (2.1%) and miscellaneous systemic symptoms in 40 cases (2.4%). Local reactions, i.e. phlebitis, pain and erythema, were self-limiting and did not necessitate early cessation of treatment. Hypersensitivity reactions occurred equally in all groups and necessitated cessation of treatment in about half of the patients. Gastro-intestinal disturbances were observed in eight, four and one patient within the Timentin 3.2, 5.2 g and paediatric groups. Changes in haemostatic status were reported in nine patients treated with Timentin. In all cases they were associated with contributory pathology and/or concurrent use of anticoagulants. Laboratory monitoring revealed transient variations in haemoglobin, blood cellular or plasma composition and plasma enzymatic activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)