Upper and Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs and LRTIs)

URTIs

Upper respiratory tract infection is the most frequent illness in humans. The most common URTI is the ‘common cold’, for which the main symptoms are nasal stuffiness and discharge, sneezing, sore throat, and cough. Otitis media (ear infection) and sinus infection are also common examples of URTI, which are commonly treated with antibiotics.¹

LRTIs

LRTIs refer to the inflammation of the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and lung tissue. Older people have an increased risk of developing LRTIs compared to young adults. Common LRTIs include pneumonia, which is usually bacterial in origin, and bronchitis.^2,3 Most bacterial LRTIs are treatable with antibiotics ⁴

The most frequently recommended initial antibiotics for URTIs are penicillins.⁵ 

There has been a worldwide increase in antibiotic resistance, contributed to by inappropriate use of antibiotics – particularly for URTIs.⁵ A common cause of treatment failure and antibiotic resistance is suboptimal dosing.⁵

As the world-leading provider of generic antibiotics, Sandoz is committed to fighting the increasing global health burden of antimicrobial resistance and is committed to playing a key role in efforts to balance and improve access and responsible use.^6,7

Sandoz produced the first-ever oral penicillin in 1951 and remains a leading supplier of Penicillin V worldwide. Our portfolio, which is focused on penicillins and cephalosporins, covers many antibiotics that are both on- and off-patent.⁶