Prophylactic antibiotic therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Background: There has been renewal of interest in the use of prophylactic antibiotics to reduce the frequency of exacerbations and improve quality of life in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Objectives: To determine whether or not regular (continuous, intermittent or pulsed) treatment of COPD patients with prophylactic antibiotics reduces exacerbations or affects quality of life.

Search Methods: We searched the Cochrane Airways Group Trials Register and bibliographies of relevant studies.