A multicentric study to evaluate efficacy and safety of cefetamet pivoxyl in lower respiratory tract infections in Indian patients.

This multicentric, open label, non-comparative study was designed to evaluate the extended spectrum of third generation oral cephalosporin, cefetamet pivoxyl in the treatment of patients with lower respiratory tract infections. This study was conducted among 111 patients with clinical, radiological and bacteriological findings consistent with the diagnosis. After obtaining written informed consent, patients were given cefetamet 500 mg tablet twice a day for 7 days. Cefetamet consistently decreased all clinical signs and symptoms at post-therapy visit. All the treated patients were either cured or improved. Cefetamet was well tolerated with a low incidence of drug related adverse events. The findings of this study indicate that cefetamet pivoxyl was well tolerated and is suitable option for the treatment of patients with lower respiratory tract infection.

Neuropharmacological actions of labetalol.

Labetalol, an alpha- and beta- adrenoceptor antagonist was investigated for its central nervous system effects in rats and mice. A marked reduction in the spontaneous motor activity with no concomittant muscle weakness was produced. The drug caused closure of eyelids in rats. Labetalol caused hypothermia and prolonged the pentobarbitone-induced hyposis. In animals trained for conditioned avoidance response the drug blocked the SCR in all the animals and CAR in a few number of animals. The drug did not protect the animals against electroshock convulsions. From the results it appears that labetalol is a central nervous system depressant.