Treatment of Otitis Media in Pediatric Practice: Amoxicillin versus Ampicillin

Abstract

The efficacies of amoxicillin and ampicillin in the treatment of otitis media were compared. Fifty patients were treated with amoxicillin, and 25 were treated with ampicillin; their average age was less than three years. Patients underwent myringotomy for culture, and were treated with amoxicillin (25 mg/kg per day in three divided doses) or ampicillin (50 mg/kg per day in four doses). Results were judged on the basis of the rapidity of resolution of the otitis. Results were considered good in 43 of 49 amoxicillin-treated patients and 22 of 25 ampicillin-treated patients.