Clinical significance of the infection-free interval in the management of acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.

Rational and appropriate antibiotic use for patients with acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (AECB) is a major concern, as approximately half of these patients do not have a bacterial infection. Typically, the result of antimicrobial therapy for patients with acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (ABECB) is not eradication of the pathogen but resolution of the acute symptoms. However, the length of time before the next bacterial exacerbation can be another important variable, as the frequency of exacerbations will affect the overall health of the patient and the rate of lung deterioration over time.

Clinical efficacy and tolerability of grepafloxacin in lower respiratory tract infection.

Studies in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) have compared grepafloxacin, 600 mg o.d. for 7--10 days, with amoxycillin, 500 mg t.