Clindamycin and Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Equally Effective for Wound Infections

Some observational studies have raised concerns about the potential inferiority of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) to clindamycin for treatment of wound infections. To compare the two medications, investigators conducted a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 7-day courses of clindamycin (300 mg 4 times daily) versus TMP-SMX (320/1600 mg twice daily) in 500 emergency department patients older than 12 years with uncomplicated wound infections. Patients with wounds likely to harbor gram-negative bacteria were excluded (e.g., perineal location, infection at site of abdominal surgery, animal bite).

In the per-protocol analysis of 401 patients, 92% in each group were cured at 7 to 14 days. Similar results wer…