Short report: clarithromycin, an alternative to metronidazole in the triple therapy of Helicobacter pylori infection.

作者信息

Thijs J C, Van Zwet A A, Moolenaar W, Oom J A, De Korte H, Runhaar E A

机构信息

Department of Internal Medicine, Bethesda Hospital, Hoogeveen, The Netherlands.

出版信息

Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 1994 Feb;8(1):131-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.1994.tb00170.x.

BACKGROUND

Triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori using metronidazole is less effective in patients with a metronidazole resistant strain. Moreover, metronidazole is responsible for many side-effects. This open study examined the efficacy and side-effects of a triple treatment regimen substituting clarithromycin for metronidazole.

METHODS

36 patients with a H. pylori infection, proven by culture, were treated with tripotassium dicitrato bismuthate 120 mg q.d.s., tetracycline 250 mg q.d.s. and clarithromycin 250 mg q.d.s. for 10 days. Eradication was defined as a negative culture and histological examination of antral biopsy specimens, taken at least 6 weeks after completion of the treatment.

RESULTS

Eradication was achieved in 26 patients (72%). The treatment was well tolerated with only 4 (11%) of the patients having significant side-effects.

CONCLUSION

Triple therapy with clarithromycin seems to be less effective than standard triple treatment when the prevalence of metronidazole resistance is low. It is suggested, however, that this combination could be a valuable alternative in areas with a high prevalence of metronidazole resistance.