In vitro antibacterial activity of cefixime and its therapeutic efficacy on respiratory tract infections

Cefixime (CFIX), a new orally active cephalosporin, was shown that it possessed a broad antimicrobial spectrum covering gram-positive cocci and gram-negative bacilli. Minimal inhibitory concentrations of the agent against each 20 clinical isolates of S. aureus, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, S. marcescens, Enterobacter spp. and P. aeruginosa were determined by use of MIC 2000 system. Although CFIX was less active than cefaclor (CCL) and amoxicillin (AMPC) against S. aureus, this drug was much more active than CCL and AMPC against E. coli, K. pneumoniae, S. marcescens and Enterobacter spp. Against P. aeruginosa CFIX was substantially inactive. Thirteen patients suffering from respiratory tract infections received orally 100 or 200mg of CFIX twice a day. One patient showed an excellent and eight good clinical response, while two other patients responded only fairly and other two poorly. No undesirable symptoms and signs due to administration of the drug were observed. In one case elevation of blood urea nitrogen was observed.