Abstract
A comparative study of ampicillin (1 g. per day), tetracycline hydrochloride (1 g. per day) and methacycline hydrochloride (600 mg. or 1 g. per day), all given in four divided doses, showed that the four regimens were equally effective in the treatment of infective exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. This conclusion was reached on the basis of serial observations of macroscopic and microscopic sputum purulence, and of the bacterial flora, with special reference to Hœmophilus intluenzœ and Streptococcus pneumoniœ. With all four regimens pus was eliminated from the sputum in an average period of less than four days. This unusually rapid rate of improvement was probably achieved because treatment was started in every case within twenty-four hours of the onset of symptoms. Efficacy and economy can be combined by prescribing the least expensive tetracycline derivative (at present oxytetracycline) as soon as the initial symptoms of an infective exacerbation of chronic bronchitis are recognised.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
