Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole in the Treatment of Infections of the Ears, Nose, and Throat

Abstract

Patients with active infection in the ears, throat, and sinuses, and in whom pathogenic organisms were isolated on culture, were treated with penicillin or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in a double-blind trial. Both drugs were equally effective as judged by clinical improvement and elimination of pathogens. In only one in every five patients with clinical infection could pathogenic organisms be found. The value and ambiguity of routine cultures are discussed.