Single-blind comparative trial of trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole and ampicillin in the treatment of exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.

Fifty patients with exacerbations of chronic bronchitis were treated with either a combination of trimethoprim 320 mg. and sulphamethoxazole 1,600 mg. a day or ampicillin 2 g. a day. The trial, carried out as a single-blind procedure, showed that the combination was more effective as judged by clinical response and reduction in sputum volume and purulence, with eradication of pathogenic organisms. No appreciable side-effects were encountered with either treatment, and it is suggested that the trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole combination may be a safe and useful drug in the treatment of chronic bronchitis.