Azithromycin; clinical efficacy and safety in infants

Abstract

AbstractPurpose Purulent bacterial conjunctivitis affects all ages with high frequency in newborns and children. Our aim was to analyze in children especially in infants, the efficacy and safety of azithromycin 1.5% eye‐drops in the treatment of this disease.Methods Two multicenter, randomized, investigator‐masked, parallel‐group study, included infants, children and adolescents presenting a purulent conjunctivitis comparing azithromycin 1.5% eye‐drops twice daily for 3 days and tobramycin 0.3% 1 drop every two hours for 2 days then four times daily for 5 days. Cultures, signs and symptoms were studied and safety and efficacy were evaluated at baseline, Days 3 and 9.Results Results in term of positive cultures, signs and symptoms are exposed. Bacterial strains were identified precisely. Both treatments were effective. No adverse effects were noted on the ocular surface.Conclusion The distribution of positive culture in bacterial conjunctivitis in infants and children is of interest for a better understanding of bacterial conjunctivitis. A short‐treatment course can be easily used in children, thus improving the quality of life of them and their parents. Commercial interest