Single-shot vs conventional therapy with amikacin for treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections: a multicenter study.

Results are discussed of a national Italian survey carried out by 1,689 general practitioners supervised by 112 hospital specialists. The goal of the survey was to check the efficacy and tolerance of single-shot (single dose) treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections with amikacin. 22,216 patients were evaluated, over 23,521 treated, and positive results were obtained in 73.7% with single-shot amikacin, 25.6% with conventional therapy with amikacin 15 mg/kg/day X 7 days, resulting in a total effectiveness of 99.3%. Adverse effects (tinnitus, equilibrium disorders, azotemia and creatinine levels higher than standards) were reported in 0.96% of the patients (0.37% in single-shot, 2.63% in conventional treatment). These data indicate that a single dose (single-shot) administration of amikacin can be a rational and advantageous treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections.