Use of cefpodoxime in ENT infections in Indian patients in the real-world setting

Background: Cefpodoxime has good antimicrobial activity against aerobic gram-positive, gram-negative and anaerobic organisms. This study was conducted to understand the preference for use of cefpodoxime in the treatment of ear, nose and throat infections and their patient outcomes by Indian health care providers (HCPs). Methods: This questionnaire-based study was conducted among Indian HCPs. A questionnaire comprising 20 questions explored preferences of HCPs for the use of cefpodoxime in the last 10 patients for managing ENT conditions. Results: A total of 131 HCPs were included in the study. Recurrent cases were reported by 71% of HCPs in at least 3 out of 10 patients. Non-response to antibiotics in 2 out of 10 patients was noted by 32.82% of HCPs, 27.48% of HCPs saw non-response in more than 3. Most patients had moderate to severe pain before treatment, and after cefpodoxime administration, 94% of HCPs reported symptom improvement. No fever was observed by 88.85% of HCPs after treatment, while 62.6% saw resolution within 2 days. Cough resolved more slowly, with some sputum persisting beyond 4 days. Before treatment, 92.36% of HCPs described cases with moderate to severe erythema, but post-treatment, 71.76% of HCPs observed only mild erythema, and severe cases dropped significantly to just 4.58%. The majority of HCP (77.86%) used cefpodoxime before surgery, and 94.66% used it post-surgery. It was also prescribed at the highest rate by 96.95% of HCPs in otitis media management. Overall efficacy of cefpodoxime was rated as excellent by 70.99% of HCPs. Conclusion: Indian HCPs are adapting cefpodoxime sensibly in improving patient outcomes in ENT infections.