Randomized, double-blind study of prulifloxacin versus ciprofloxacin in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis

Background: Recently the role of bacteria in acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECB) as well as antibiotic treatment with selected drugs, especially fluoroquinolones, have been better defined. Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety in patients with AECB of prulifloxacin in comparison with ciprofloxacin. Methods: AECB was defined according to the guidelines for the evaluation of new anti-infective drugs for the treatment of respiratory tract infections (1992). 235 patients took part in the trial; 117 (88 males and 29 females, mean age 64.8 years) received 600 mg prulifloxacin once daily and 118 (91 males and 27 females, mean age 64.5 years) 500 mg ciprofloxacin twice a day, for a duration of 10 days. The study design was randomized, multicenter, double-blind, double-dummy. Efficacy evaluations were performed by comparing pretreatment and posttreatment assessments. The clinical response was determined by 4-point rating scores on cough, dyspnea, and expectoration (volume and appearance). The microbiological response was assessed on sputum specimen. Results: Clinical success was observed in 84.7 and 85% of patients in the prulifloxacin and ciprofloxacin groups, respectively. The 95% confidence interval proved the equivalence of treatments. Both drugs successfully eradicated the most commonly isolated strains, including Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Both treatments were well tolerated. Adverse drug reactions were always of mild or moderate intensity. Conclusion: The study showed that a 10-day course of prulifloxacin is as effective and safe as ciprofloxacin in the treatment of patients with AECB. Copyright (C) 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel.