A comparative study of panipenem/betamipron and imipenem/cilastatin in respiratory tract infections

With the aim of objectively evaluating the efficacy, safety and usefulness of panipenem/betamipron (PAPM/BP) in the treatment of chronic respiratory tract infection, a comparative study using imipenem/cilastatin sodium (IPM/CS) as the control drug was undertaken, and the following results obtained. Either PAPM/BP or IPM/CS, in a dose of 1.0 g/1.0 g daily (in 2 divided doses), was administered for a duration of, in principle, 14 days. 1) Clinical efficacy: The efficacy rate in the judgement of the committee was 81.3% in the PAPM/BP group and 81.7% in the IPM/CS group, with no significant difference between the two groups. Judged by the physician in charge, the rate was 84.0% in the PAPM/BP group and 87.3% in the IPM/CS group, with no significant difference between the two groups. 2) Bacteriological efficacy: The eradication rate was 76.7% in the PAPM/BP group and 74.4% in the IPM/CS group, with no significant difference between the two groups. 3) Side effects and abnormal laboratory data: The incidence of side effects was 2.5% in the PAPM/BP group and 5.1% in the IPM/CS group. Abnormal laboratory data were found in 28.8% and 29.0% respectively, but none was serious and no significant difference was seen between the two groups. 4) Usefulness: The rate of usefulness was evaluated by the committee to be 80.0% in the PAPM/BP group and 78.9% in the IPM/CS group, with no significant difference between the two groups. Judged by the physician in charge, the rate was 81.3% in the PAPM/BP group and 84.5% in the IPM/CS group, with no significant difference between the two groups. These results confirm that the administration of PAPM/BP, 1.0 g/1.0 g daily in the treatment of chronic respiratory tract infection is as clinically useful as the administration of IPM/CS, 1.0 g/1.0 g daily.