Abstract
BACKGROUND: Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) and pneumonia are challenging lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) commonly encountered in clinical practice. The oral extended-spectrum cephalosporin cefpodoxime proxetil is highly active against the bacterial pathogens commonly associated with LRTIs.
AIM: To assess the role of cefpodoxime in the management of infections in Indian patients with AECOPD and LRTIs in a real-world setting, based on expert opinions.
METHODOLOGY: The expert consensus meeting was convened according to an a priori protocol. Physicians were invited to participate in the discussion to frame opinion statements based on their clinical experience. A structured questionnaire was prepared regarding the role of cefpodoxime in the management of infections in patients with AECOPD and LRTIs.
RESULTS: Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common pathogen causing infections in patients with chronic bronchitis and pneumonia. Good penetration of cefpodoxime into lung tissues, high concentrations in lung tissues, and rapid resolution of symptoms make cefpodoxime the first-choice drug for treating LRTIs. Cefpodoxime is a step-down therapy of choice when switching hospitalized patients with LRTIs from parenteral antibiotics to oral antibiotics. Cefpodoxime is safe in patients with comorbid diseases and in elderly patients on polypharmacy.
CONCLUSION: Cefpodoxime is the preferred first-line empiric antibiotic of choice for the treatment of community-acquired LRTIs in the real-world setting in India. Cefpodoxime has been preferred by 99% of expert chest physicians to treat infections in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), considering its broad spectrum of activity. Ninety-seven percent of experts reported that cefpodoxime, as a step-down therapy, gives satisfactory patient recovery and prevents recurrent infections.