Antibiotic treatment of acute otitis media in children: Dosing considerations

Dosing considerations in the use of antibiotics are as important as antibacterial activity in determining the clinical outcome of pediatric acute otitis media. Clinical aspects of dosing, such as duration and frequency of the daily dosage regimen, and practical aspects, including taste, need for refrigeration and food restrictions, both influence compliance with antibiotic therapy. An antibiotic that has a short, simple dosing regimen and is convenient to administer and acceptable to both parent and child will improve compliance and thus will more reliably resolve infection, will decrease the incidence of recurrence and may minimize the development of bacterial resistance. Among antibiotics used to treat pediatric acute otitis media, the azalide azithromycin has a relatively simple once daily, 5-day treatment schedule and a pleasant taste, requires no refrigeration and has no food restrictions. These favorable dosing characteristics of azithromycin will enhance compliance and contribute to the successful resolution of acute otitis media.