Ranitidine Bismuth Citrate with Clarithromycin for the Eradication ofHelicobacter pyloriand for Ulcer Healing

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Background.: In a pilot study, ranitidine bismuth citrate (RBC; Pylorid, Tritec) in coprescription with clarithromycin achieved aHelicobacter pylorieradication rate (based on13C urea breath test alone) of 83%. The aim of the current study was to validate this finding by using three diagnostic tests and a larger group ofH. pylori–positive patients with active duodenal ulcer.Methods.: In a blinded study, 95 patients were given either 4 weeks of treatment with RBC, 400 mg bid, alone (RBC400, n = 31) or RBC, 400 mg bid or 800 mg bid, in coprescription with clarithromycin, 250 mg qid for 14 days, followed by 14 days of RBC, 400 mg bid, alone (RBC400+CLAR and RBC800+CLAR, respectively; n = 32 for each). Rates of ulcer healing at week 4 and ofH. pylorieradication (assessed by antral and corpus urease tests and histology and by13C urea breath test) at week 8 were compared, together with the incidence of adverse events.Results.: All three regimens were effective at duodenal ulcer healing and were tolerated well. The coprescription regimens gave significantly higher observedH. pylorieradication rates (82% and 74% for RBC400+ CLAR and RBC800+CLAR) compared with RBC400 (0%;p< .001).Conclusions.: RBC in dual therapy with clarithromycin provides excellentH. pylorieradication therapy and is an effective duodenal ulcer healing drug.