Effectiveness of Co-Amoxiclav in Managing Upper Respiratory Tract Infections: A Multicenter Retrospective Real-World Study

Background: Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are among the most common infectious diseases, affecting the nasal passages, pharynx, and larynx. They present a significant health burden, especially in children and individuals with compromised immune systems, leading to symptoms like cough, sore throat, and congestion. The present study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety profile of Co-amoxiclav in managing upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) across the adult population of India. Methods: A single-arm, multicenter, retrospective, medical records-based, real-world study was conducted, including all adult patients diagnosed with URTIs presented to the Out-Patient Department (OPD) or admitted to the In-Patient Department (IPD) who have been treated with Co-Amoxiclav Therapy. Data were collected at three intervals: baseline (day 0), first follow-up (day 7±2), and second follow-up (day 14±2). Demographic information, medical history, primary diagnosis, vital signs, and laboratory parameters were documented at baseline and follow-ups. Clinical outcomes, microbiological results, and safety data, such as adverse events, were assessed at each follow-up. The statistical analysis in this study employed a combination of descriptive statistics and frequencies, along with the Chi-square test, to evaluate the efficacy of Co-Amoxiclav. Descriptive statistics summarized the characteristics of the sample, providing means, standard deviations, and frequencies for categorical variables. Results: The study included a total of 9233 participants with a mean age of 46.84±16.3. The most frequently encountered URTI was the undifferentiated URTI, accounting for 48% of the total population. A significant proportion of the participants (72%) were prescribed co-amoxiclav 625 mg twice daily for 5 to 7 days. The study reported statistically significant efficacy (92.82%) of co-amoxiclav (p<0.0001) in the treatment of URTIs. Significant improvements in laboratory parameters with C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (p < 0.001) and white blood cell count decrease were observed (p < 0.001). Adverse events were notably rare in the study population, with only 28 cases (0.35%) reporting any treatment-related events. Conclusion: Co-amoxiclav demonstrated excellent efficacy and safety profile in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infection. Further large studies are required to determine the long-term outcomes of co-amoxiclav in the timely management of URTIs.