COMPARATIVE EFFICACY OF AMOXICILLIN VS. AZITHROMYCIN IN THE TREATMENT OF PEDIATRIC PNEUMONIA
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Keywords
Community-acquired pneumonia, Pediatric Pneumonia, Amoxicillin, azithromycin, Respiratory symptoms
Abstract
Introduction: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among pediatric populations worldwide.
Objective: The main objective of the study is to find the comparison in the efficacy of amoxicillin vs. azithromycin in the treatment of pediatric pneumonia.
Methodology of the study: This comparative study was conducted at different regions of Pakistan (Lahore, Islamabad, and Faisalabad) from 2021 to 2022. Data were collected from 185 patients suffering from pneumonia. Data on patient demographics, clinical presentations, treatment adherence, and outcomes are collected and managed using standardized forms and electronic medical records. Patients receive amoxicillin at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day, divided into three doses, for a duration of 7 days. Patients receive azithromycin at a dose of 10 mg/kg on the first day, followed by 5 mg/kg/day for the next 4 days. Assessed by resolution of fever, reduction in respiratory symptoms, and improvement in overall well-being, evaluated on days 3, 5, and 7 of treatment.
Results: Data were collected from 185 pneumonia patients. The mean age was comparable between the groups (5.4 ± 3.1 years for amoxicillin and 5.2 ± 3.0 years for azithromycin). Gender distribution was similar, with 54.8% males in the amoxicillin group and 54.3% males in the azithromycin group. There were no statistically significant differences observed in clinical improvement rates by Day 7 (90% for amoxicillin vs. 88% for azithromycin, p = 0.68) or radiographic improvement rates by Day 7 (85% for amoxicillin vs. 83% for azithromycin, p = 0.70).
Conclusion: Amoxicillin and azithromycin are highly effective and safe for the treatment of pediatric community-acquired pneumonia, with no significant differences in clinical outcomes, microbial eradication, or adverse effects
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Dr Anum Ashraf
Assistant Professor, Department Of Pharmacology, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan
Dr Fawad Hussain
Assistant Professor Community Medicine, Niazi Medical & Dental College, Sargodha, Pakistan
Dr Gul Mehnaz
Associate Professor Pharmacology Women Medical And Dental College, Abbottabad, Pakistan
Dr Beenish Hafiz
Demonstrator Community Medicine Department, Hazrat Bari Sarkar Medical And Dental College, Islamabad, Pakistan
Dr Asad Mahmood Khan
Associate Professor Of Pharmacology, Sahiwal Medical College, Sahiwal, Pakistan
Dr Rida Dawood
Post Graduate Resident, Department Of Paediatrics Surgery, Children Hospital Faisalabad, Pakistan