Not Pneumonia? Hold the Antibiotics!

In a large randomized study involving adults with acute uncomplicated lower respiratory tract infections, amoxicillin showed little benefit and slight harm.

Respiratory infections are a common reason for prescribing antibiotics. To assess the benefits and risks of amoxicillin treatment for acute uncomplicated lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), researchers conducted a placebo-controlled trial in primary care practices in 12 European countries.

Adults aged ≥18 with LRTIs in whom pneumonia was not suspected were randomized to receive 1 g of amoxicillin three times daily or a placebo that was identical in appearance, taste, and texture. Participants completed a daily symptom diary; research staff also telephoned participants during the follow-up period. Baseline characteristics were similar between the amoxicillin and placebo groups (n=1038 and 1023, respectively); overall, 28.9% were aged …

Reviewing Author

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine