[Cefuroxime axetil, a new oral cephalosporin for treating infections of the ORL field: clinical synthesis].

Cefuroxime axetil (C.A.E.) is a broad spectrum cephalosporin, suitable for oral route. Its antibacterial activity includes all the pathogens usually responsible for E.N.T. infection, with low M.I.C.'s: H. influenzae, S. pneumoniae, S. aureus, S. pyogene. The stability of the drug against betalactamases, especially those produced by H. influenzae, associated with good bio availability (50%) and tissue penetration (30%) account for the potent in vivo bactericidal activity and clinical efficacy of cefuroxime axetil. More than 1,000 patients had been enrolled in controlled clinical trials: the success rates yielded by C.A.E. were 98%, 96% and 91%, respectively for pharingitis/tonsilitis, otitis media and acute sinusitis. C.A.E. is at least as effective as amoxycillin/clavulanic acid and safety appears to be better.