Antibiotics for Acute Bronchitis.
JAMA. 2014 Dec 24;312(24):2678-2679
Authors: Smith SM, Smucny J, Fahey T
Abstract
Clinical Question: Are antibiotics associated with improved outcomes in patients with acute bronchitis?
Bottom Line: Prescribing antibiotics for acute bronchitis was associated with reduced overall and nighttime cough and with an approximately half-day reduction in duration of cough, in days feeling ill, and in days with impaired activities. However, at follow-up, there were no significant differences in patients receiving antibiotics compared with those receiving placebo in overall clinical improvements or limitations in work or other activities. There was a significant increase in adverse effects in the antibiotic group, particularly gastrointestinal symptoms.
PMID: 25536260 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]