Cefpodoxime-proxetil versus trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for short-term therapy of uncomplicated acute cystitis in women

One hundred sixty-three women with uncomplicated acute lower urinary tract infections were included in a multicenter randomized study comparing cefpodoxime-proxetil (one 100-mg tablet twice daily) with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (one double-strength tablet [160/800 mg] twice daily) for 3 days. A total of 30 women in both arms were excluded from the study for various reasons. At 4 to 7 days after the discontinuation of therapy, 62 of 63 (98.4%) cefpodoxime-proxetil recipients and 70 of 70 (100%) trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole patients were clinically cured and demonstrated bacteriological eradication, respectively. At 28 days after treatment, 48 of 55 (87.3%) and 43 of 50 (86%) cefpodoxime-proxetil recipients as well as 51 of 60 (85%) and 42 of 50 (84%) trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole recipients were clinically cured and demonstrated bacteriological eradication, respectively. Independently of the prescribed regimen, a significant difference (P < 0.001) in failure rates was observed only for patients with a previous history of three or more episodes of acute cystitis per year. With the exception of one patient in the trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole arm who discontinued therapy because of gastrointestinal pain, both antimicrobials were well tolerated. In conclusion, cefpodoxime-proxetil treatment for 3 days was as safe and effective as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for 3 days for the treatment of uncomplicated acute cystitis in women.