A Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy of Cefaclor in Lower Respiratory Tract Infection

Summary

Cefaclor is frequently used to treat outpatient pneumonia and acute on chronic bronchitis. A meta-analysis was performed to compare the efficacy of cefaclor with other agents in controlled trials up to 1998, incorporating an assessment of the quality of those trials. Of 72 trials, 63 fulfilled the inclusion criteria which reported 4220 patients treated with cefaclor and 4674 treated with other antibiotics. Five trials found the comparator to be significantly more effective than cefaclor, mainly newer quinolones and azithromycin. There were no significant differences between cefaclor and amoxycillin, co-amoxiclav or most oral cephalosporins. Cefaclor might continue to be included as a first line treatment, keeping newer agents for cases of treatment failure.

Keyword:

• Cefaclor
• lower respiratory tract infection
• pneumonia