Penicillin and Metronidazole in Treatment of Peritonsillar Abscess

Penicillin and Metronidazole in Treatment of Peritonsillar Abscess - Prospective, Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study

Treatment of peritonsillar abscess varies. To study whether broad spectrum antibiotics are required in addition to abscess drainage, a prospective, double blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study on 200 adult patients with peritonsillar abscess is performed. 100 patients are given penicillin and metronidazole and 100 patients get penicillin and placebo. Recovery and recurrence are analyzed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• referring doctor suspects peritonsillar abscess
• patient is voluntary
• patient has daily access to his/her e-mail
• patient speaks and understands Finnish of Swedish
• female patients have adequate birth-control method
• patient has peritonsillar abscess

Exclusion Criteria:

• allergy to penicillin
• allergy to metronidazole
• use of metronidazole in preceding one month
• pregnancy
• breast-feeding
• renal insufficiency
• liver insufficiency
• alcoholism (drunk at least once a week)
• participant in another clinical trial at the moment
• treatment of peritonsillar abscess requires in-patient care
• tonsillectomy during the next 30 days
• army recruit