Article type
Year
Abstract
Introduction:
Objectives: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of antibiotics as treatment for the common cold.
Methods: We searched the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Medline, Embase, the Family Medicine Database, and reference lists of articles, and we contacted principal investigators and searched the Cochrane central database. The most recent search was in December 1998. We selected randomised trials comparing any antibiotic therapy with placebo in acute upper respiratory tract infections. Both reviewers independently assessed trial quality and extracted data.
Results: Seven trials involving 2056 people aged between six months and 49 years were included. The overall quality of the included trials was variable. People receiving antibiotics did not do better in terms of cureor improvement than those on placebo (odds ratio 0.95, 95% confidence interval 0.70 to 1.28 fixed effects model). One study found a significant benefit for antibiotics compared with placebo for runny nose (clear or purulent). The only other study to evaluate purulent nasal discharge found no significant benefit for antibiotics. Only one study reported work time lost with 22% of those on antibiotic treatment and 25% of those on placebo but this was not significant. Patients treated with antibiotics had a significant increase in side effects (odds ratio 2.72, 95% confidence interval 1.02 to 7.27, random effects model).
Discussion: There is not enough evidence of important benefits from the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections with antibiotics to justify routine use. There is a significant increase in adverse effects associated with antibiotic use.
Objectives: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of antibiotics as treatment for the common cold.
Methods: We searched the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Medline, Embase, the Family Medicine Database, and reference lists of articles, and we contacted principal investigators and searched the Cochrane central database. The most recent search was in December 1998. We selected randomised trials comparing any antibiotic therapy with placebo in acute upper respiratory tract infections. Both reviewers independently assessed trial quality and extracted data.
Results: Seven trials involving 2056 people aged between six months and 49 years were included. The overall quality of the included trials was variable. People receiving antibiotics did not do better in terms of cureor improvement than those on placebo (odds ratio 0.95, 95% confidence interval 0.70 to 1.28 fixed effects model). One study found a significant benefit for antibiotics compared with placebo for runny nose (clear or purulent). The only other study to evaluate purulent nasal discharge found no significant benefit for antibiotics. Only one study reported work time lost with 22% of those on antibiotic treatment and 25% of those on placebo but this was not significant. Patients treated with antibiotics had a significant increase in side effects (odds ratio 2.72, 95% confidence interval 1.02 to 7.27, random effects model).
Discussion: There is not enough evidence of important benefits from the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections with antibiotics to justify routine use. There is a significant increase in adverse effects associated with antibiotic use.