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Short report: clarithromycin, an alternative to metronidazole in the triple therapy of Helicobacter pylori infection
Author(s) -
THIJS J. C.,
ZWET A. A.,
MOOLENAAR W.,
OOM J. A. J.,
KORTE H.,
RUNHAAR E. A.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
alimentary pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.308
H-Index - 177
eISSN - 1365-2036
pISSN - 0269-2813
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2036.1994.tb00170.x
Subject(s) - metronidazole , clarithromycin , medicine , helicobacter pylori , helicobacter infections , helicobacter , helicobacter pylori infection , gastroenterology , antibiotics , microbiology and biotechnology , biology
SUMMARY 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.