OBJECTIVES

The eradication of Helicobacter pylori is recommended in duodenal ulcer disease. The aim of this randomized open trial was to evaluate and compare H. pylori eradication and safety after a dual therapy consisting of lansoprazole (30 mg b.i.d.) and amoxicillin (1 g b.i.d.) versus a triple therapy consisting of lansoprazole (30 mg b.i.d.), amoxicillin (1 g b.i.d.), and clarithromycin (500 mg b.i.d.) administered from day 1 to day 14.

METHODS

All patients with an ulcer received lansoprazole (30 mg) from day 15 to day 28. H. pylori status was determined from antral biopsies using histology, culture, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) upon inclusion and 1-3 months after the end of the treatment.

RESULTS

Of the 50 patients included in the study, five did not adhere to the protocol. H. pylori eradication was obtained in 37.5% of the patients receiving lansoprazole-amoxicillin (n = 9/24) and in 95.2% of the patients receiving lansoprazole-amoxicillin-clarithromycin (n = 20/21, p < 0.0002). Minor side effects appeared in 8.3% of the cases during dual therapy (n = 2/24) and in 52% during triple therapy (n = 13/22, p < 0.001). These side effects consisted mainly of diarrhea and a metallic taste.

CONCLUSION

Concomitant administration of double doses of lansoprazole with amoxicillin and clarithromycin is very efficacious against H. pylori infection compared with dual therapy.