Comparison of Azithromycin versus Cefixime for Treatment of Bacterial Diarrhea in Children.

Objective: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of azithromycin and cefixime in the treatment of acute bacterial invasive diarrhea in children. Methods: From Jul. 2004 to Nov. 2004, 121 evaluable children ,ages 4 months to 12 years old presenting with acute bacterial diarrhea were randomized to receive either azithromycin (10 mg/kg/day, once a day;n= 64) or cefixime (5-8 mg/kg/day,twice a day; n = 57). Clinical response were assessed on days 3. Results: Clinical cure or improvement was observed in 98.44% and 96.49% of the azithromycin and cefixime groups, respectively. There was no significant difference between two groups(X2 = 0.472,P0.05). Conclusion: Oral azithromycin was safe and effective for the empiric treatment of acute invasive diarrhea in pediatric patients.