In vitro synergy testing of clarithromycin and 14-hydroxyclarithromycin with amoxicillin or bismuth subsalicylate against Helicobacter pylori.

The activity of clarithromycin-14-hydroxyclarithromycin (2:1 ratio) and bismuth subsalicylate or amoxicillin against Helicobacter pylori was determined by the checkerboard technique in vitro. Clarithromycin-14-hydroxyclarithromycin and amoxicillin resulted in additive effects in 7 of 22 isolates, compared to 14 of 22 isolates when bismuth subsalicylate was substituted for amoxicillin. Synergy was not demonstrated and is probably not responsible for the clinical success of treatment combinations containing clarithromycin.