Single-dose pefloxacin versus five-days treatment with norfloxacin in uncomplicated cystitis in women

Abstract

In a double-blind four-block randomized trial the efficacy and tolerance of a single dose of pefloxacin 800 mg was compared with a five day treatment with norfloxacin 400 mg twice daily in the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections in general practice. The 222 patients included were all healthy non-pregnant women, aged between 18 and 65 years, with dysuria, urinary frequency or urgency, who visited their general practitioner. Outcome parameters were the rates of resolution of symptoms after eight to ten days (T2) and after six weeks (T3), the bacteriological response at T2 and T3, and the tolerance of pefloxacin and norfloxacin. Only slight differences were demonstrated at any stage and after six weeks the success rates in the pefloxacin group were not different from those in the norfloxacin group. Tolerance in both groups was rated as satisfactory, although the higher dose of pefloxacin caused more gastrointestinal side effects.