Short treatment durations for acute bacterial rhinosinusitis: Five days of gemifloxacin versus 7 days of gemifloxacin

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to demonstrate the clinical and radiologic efficacy of 5 days compared with 7 days of gemifloxacin therapy in the treatment of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS). STUDY DESIGN. In this prospective, double-blind, multicenter, parallel-group study, adult patients presenting with ABRS were randomized to receive gemifloxacin 320 mg once daily for either 5 days (n = 218) or 7 days (n = 203). RESULTS., For the primary efficacy end point, clinical response to therapy at follow-up, 5 days of therapy with gemifloxacin was as effective as 7 days of therapy (per-protocol population; treatment difference 0.44%; 95% confidence interval (0), -6.54 to 7.41). Five and 7 days of treatment with gemifloxacin were well tolerated. CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE: The clinical efficacy of gemifloxacin 320 mg daily for 5 days is at least as good as the efficacy of gemifloxacin 320 mg daily for 7 days in the treatment of ABRS.