Clinical investigation of the effect of norfloxacin for the treatment of pediatric otitis media and sinusitis

Abstract

Norfloxacin (NFLX; 50mg tablets) was administered to 97 infants and children able to tolerate the medication at a dose of 6-12mg/kg per day, given on 3 separate occasions within 7 days. The patient sample included 52 cases of otitis media and 45 cases of sinusitis. In cases demonstrating improvement during observation on the 7th day, doses were continued through the 14th day.
Excluding those patients who did not complete the treatment regimen, the efficacy of NFLX in 46 cases of otitis media and 43 cases of sinusitis was 78% (36/46) and 72% (31/43), respectively.
With respect to elimination of isolated bacteria, 82 of 101 strains were eliminated for an elimination ratio of 81%.
No adverse effects were reported. Increased platelets was found in one case.
Based on the above results, NFLX achieves excellent clinical results in the treatment of pediatric otitis media and sinusitis. It is particularly effective in such cases caused by H. influenzae, M.(B) catarrhalis, P. aeriginosa and similar bacteria which have low susceptibility to β-lactam drugs.