Efficacy of intramuscular single dose of ceftriaxon versus ten days amoxicillin for treatment of children with acute otitis media

Ceftriaxone is a prolonged third-generation cephalosporin and its intramuscular single dose can provide the necessary serum level against typical pathogens of acute otitis media up to 72 hours. In a prospective, randomized clinical trial study, the efficacy of intramuscular single dose of ceftriaxone (50mg/kg/dose) was compared to 10 days amoxicillin (50mg/kg/day, divided 3 time per day) to treat acute otitis media in children. A total of 110 children aged 5 months to 12 years, with uncomplicated acute otitis media were randomly selected to receive either an oral suspension amoxicillin for 10 days or an intramuscular single dose of ceftriaxone. Clinical manifestation and demographic characteristics were similar in both groups. In ceftriaxone group, 48 (88.9%) of 54 cases were recovered completely, and in amoxicilline group, the treatment was successful in 51 (99.1%) of 56 cases (p>0.05). In ceftriaxone, 2 cases and in amoxicilline group, 3 cases developed a skin rash (p>0.05). The efficacy of intramuscular single dose of ceftriaxone (50mg/kg) to treat uncomplicated acute otitis media in children is as effective as amoxicillin (50mg/kg/day, divided 3 times per day).