Randomized comparative study of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and co-trimoxazole in the treatment of acute urinary tract infections in adults.

The efficacy and safety of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid were compared with those of co-trimoxazole in the treatment of acute urinary tract infections. A total of 104 patients (mean age, 52 years) with clinical and laboratory evidence of acute urinary tract infection were enrolled in the study. Characteristics and infecting organisms were equivalent in both groups of patients. Escherichia coli was the predominant bacteria pathogen in both groups. Both drugs resulted in clinical improvement in 100% of the patients; bacteriological cure after the termination of therapy was 95% with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and 83% with co-trimoxazole (P less than 0.001). Side effects were not severe enough to necessitate discontinuation of the antimicrobial agents. Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid is effective and safe therapy for acute urinary tract infections caused by susceptible bacteria.