Comparing intravenous and oral antibiotics for acute infections

Intravenous Versus Oral Treatment of the Main Acute Infections in Emergency Departments

Not applicable Interventional University of Southern Denmark · NCT06715306

This study tests if oral antibiotics can work just as well as intravenous ones for people in the hospital with acute infections to see if they can shorten hospital stays and lower risks.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment4000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Southern Denmark Academic / other
Locations7 sites (Aabenraa, Southern Denmark and 6 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06715306 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the safety and efficacy of oral antibiotic regimens compared to standard intravenous antibiotic treatment in patients admitted to the hospital with acute infections such as respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and cellulitis. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either intravenous antibiotics or tailored oral antibiotics based on microbiological recommendations. The goal is to determine if oral antibiotics can effectively replace intravenous treatment, potentially reducing hospital stays and associated risks. The study is designed as an open-label, prospective, randomized controlled trial.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients admitted with suspected respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, or cellulitis who are planned to receive intravenous antibiotics.

Not a fit: Patients who have received more than two doses of intravenous antibiotics or have severe health conditions requiring immediate intravenous treatment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to shorter hospital stays and reduced healthcare costs for patients with acute infections.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have explored the use of oral antibiotics in similar contexts, showing promising results, but this specific approach is still being tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Suspected respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, or cellulitis by the attending physician
* Planned or initiated intravenous antibiotic treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

* if received more than two doses of intravenous antibiotics;
* systolic blood pressure \<90 mmHg;
* nausea and/or vomiting in more than one short-term instance during the last 2 days;
* suspected significantly reduced gastrointestinal absorption;
* confirmed plasma-lactate \> 2;
* pregnant or nursing;
* unable to give informed consent;
* severe immunodeficiency;
* urgent vital treatment needed.

Where this trial is running

Aabenraa, Southern Denmark and 6 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Respiratory Tract InfectionsUrinary Tract InfectionsCellulitisOral antibiotic therapyintravenous antibiotic therapyintravenous-to-oral-switch
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.