Yes, an RCT of antibiotics vs. an anti-inflammatory drug in people with lower urinary tract infection shows clearly that the antibiotic is superior in reducing (in fact halving) the mean duration of symptoms.[1] I have worried before [2] about long-term effects of withholding antibiotics in conditions often caused by bacteria – quinsy in throat infections, for example. In this trial the risk of pyelonephritis (kidney infection) was higher in the group from whom antibiotics were withheld. Appropriate targeting of antibiotics is important. And I prefer high dose, short duration therapy regimes.[3] [4]
— Richard Lilford, CLAHRC WM Director
- Kronenberg A, Bütikofer L, Odutayo A, Mühlemann K, da Costa BR, Battaglia M, Meli DN, Frey P, Limacher A, Reichenbach S, Jüni P. Symptomatic treatment of uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections in the ambulatory setting: randomised, double blind trial. 2017; 359 :j478.
- Lilford RJ. Protocol to Test Hypothesis That Streptococcal Infections and Their Sequelae Have Risen in Incidence Over the Last 14 Years in England. NIHR CLAHRC West Midlands News Blog. 13 January 2017.
- Lilford RJ. Not Taking a Full Course of Antibiotics. NIHR CLAHRC West Midlands News Blog. 29 September 2017.
- Lilford RJ. More Evidence for Short Doses of Antibiotics in Infection. NIHR CLAHRC West Midlands News Blog. 5 June 2015.
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