Comparison of ciprofloxacin and co-trimoxazole in the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infection in women

Abstract

Sixty-five women with uncomplicated urinary tract infection were evaluated in a prospective, randomized, double blind study comparing ciprofloxacin (250 mg twice daily for ten days) with co-trimoxazole (160 mg trimethoprim and 800 mg sulphamethoxazole twice daily for ten days). Results were analysed with respect to eradication of the urinary tract pathogen, resolution of clinical symptoms, incidence of relapse, and incidence of adverse effects. Among the 31 women who received ciprofloxacin, there was eradication of the micro-organism and complete resolution of clinical symptoms in 100% five to nine days after completion of therapy. Among the 34 patients who received co-trimoxazole, there was eradication in 94% and clinical resolution in 91%. Of the ciprofloxacin-treated women 6·5% (2/31) relapsed compared with 18% (6/34) of co-trimoxazole-treated women. Overall cure rates for 65 patients were 93·5% and 82·3% for ciprofloxacin and co-trimoxazole (difference not statistically significant), respectively. A statistically significant (P(<005) increase in adverse side effects was noted in patients treated with co-trimoxazole. Based upon preliminary data it appears that ciprofloxacin is as effective and less toxic than co-trimoxazole for treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infection in women.