A comparison of enoxacin and co-trimoxazole in the treatment of patients with complicated urinary tract infections.

Fifty-six patients with complicated, recurrent urinary tract infections were entered in a study comparing the clinical and microbiological effectiveness of enoxacin with that of co-trimoxazole (trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole). Forty-six patients (23 in each group) completed the study and, at the end of 14 days' treatment, all had negative urine cultures and were considered clinically cured. Microbiological cure was achieved in all 23 patients in the co-trimoxazole group and in 20 of 23 patients in the enoxacin group, the other three suffering reinfection approximately one week after the end of the treatment course. Ten patients (five in each group) did not complete the 14-day course of therapy: two because of negative initial cultures, one who was lost to follow-up, six because of adverse reactions, and one because of superinfection. Enoxacin is effective in treating complicated urinary tract infections caused by a variety of organisms and is comparable in effectiveness with co-trimoxazole.