Abstract
SummaryThe efficacy and tolerability of clarithromycin and erythromycin stearate in the treatment of documented Group A beta-haemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis were compared in a single-centre, open, out-patient study. One hundred and twenty patients were randomly assigned to each treatment group. Dosage of clarithromycin and erythromycin was 250 mg twice daily and 500 mg twice daily, respectively; each patient was given a 10-day supply of medication. Clinical success (cured or improved) was observed in 111 (96.5%) of 115 and in 108(93.9%) of 115 clinically-evaluable patients treated with clarithromycin and erythromycin, respectively. Eradication of the pathogen occurred in 108 (97.3%) of 111 and in 98 (92.5%) of 106 bacteriologically-evaluable clarithromycin and erythromycin patients, respectively. Adverse events reported by 7 (5.8%) of the clarithromycin-treated and by 12 (10%) of the erythromyc in-treated patients included epigastritis and nausea and vomiting. In general, the severity of adverse even...