Year: 2026 | Month: July | Volume: 16 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 29-41
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20260704
A Cross-Sectional Survey of ENT Surgeons’ Preferences, Prescribing Patterns, and Clinical Experience with Cefpodoxime-Clavulanic Acid in ENT Infections
Ajitkumar Gondane1, Meghana Kate2, Vaishnavi Shahare2, Dattatray Pawar3, Akhilesh Sharma4
1Senior Manager, Medical Affairs Division, Alkem Laboratories, Mumbai, India.
2Medical Intern, Medical affairs Division, Alkem Laboratories, Mumbai, India.
3General Manager, Medical affairs Division, Alkem Laboratories, Mumbai, India.
4President and CMO, Medical Division, Alkem Laboratories, Mumbai, India.
Corresponding Author: Dr. Ajitkumar Gondane
ABSTRACT
Background: Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) infections are a common cause of outpatient visits and antibiotic prescriptions. Rising antimicrobial resistance and the prevalence of β-lactamase–producing pathogens have increased the need for effective broad-spectrum antibiotics. Although cefpodoxime–clavulanic acid is widely used in ENT practice, data on physician prescribing preferences and real-world clinical experience are limited.
Objectives: To evaluate the prescribing patterns, therapeutic positioning, perceived effectiveness, tolerability, and safety of cefpodoxime–clavulanic acid among ENT surgeons in routine clinical practice.
Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 100 ENT surgeons from across India attending the 8th International Live Surgery Workshop in Bengaluru. Information was collected on prescription frequency, clinical indications, factors influencing antibiotic selection, therapeutic positioning, effectiveness, tolerability, adverse events, and safety in special populations.
Results: Cefpodoxime–clavulanic acid was prescribed frequently or very frequently by 84.0% of respondents. Common indications included acute otitis media (59.0%), tonsillitis/pharyngitis (58.0%), chronic suppurative otitis media exacerbation (42.0%), post-operative ENT infections (39.0%), and acute bacterial sinusitis (28.0%). The combination was used as first-line therapy by 62.0% of surgeons. Broad-spectrum coverage (64.0%), activity against β-lactamase–producing organisms (30.0%), and clinical efficacy (29.0%) were the main reasons for selection. Overall, 99.0% rated it as effective or very effective, while all respondents rated tolerability as good or very good. Mild gastrointestinal symptoms were the most commonly reported adverse events (35.0%); allergic reactions and treatment discontinuation were rare (2.0% each). Additionally, 95.0% considered the combination safe or very safe in elderly and comorbid patients.
Conclusion: Cefpodoxime–clavulanic acid is widely used in ENT practice and is perceived as an effective, well-tolerated, and safe option for a broad spectrum of ENT infections, supporting its continued role in contemporary ENT management.
Key words: Antibiotic prescribing patterns; otitis media; sinusitis; tonsillopharyngitis