Complicated urinary tract infections treated with cefuroxime or cefazolin: a comparative study

In a prospective, randomized study, 58 men with complicated urinary tract infections were divided into two groups and treated intramuscularly with either cefuroxime (0.75 gm) or cefazolin (1 gm) every eight hours for five to ten days. Both groups were comparable in age, weight, and underlying disease of the urinary tract. Patients with creatinine clearance below 25 ml/min were excluded from the study. All infecting microorganisms were sensitive to both drugs, as determined by disk sensitivity testing. One day after treatment, 97% of the urine cultures were negative in both the cefuroxime and cefazolin groups. One week after treatment, 62% and 63% of the cultures were negative in the two groups, respectively. Thus no differences were found in the therapeutic effects of the two drugs. No significant differences were observed in the complete blood count or chemistry evaluations carried out before and after treatment in both groups, nor were any allergic reactions encountered. We concluded that cefuroxime and cefazolin are equally effective and safe in the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections.