Low-dose rabeprazole, amoxicillin and metronidazole triple therapy for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in Chinese patients.

BACKGROUND

Rabeprazole in combination with amoxicillin and metronidazole (RAM) has been shown to be an effective second-line treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection. The effects were compared of 7-day low-dose and high dose rabeprazole in RAM for the primary treatment of H. pylori infection in Chinese patients.

METHODS

Helicobacter pylori-positive dyspeptic patients were randomized to receive either (i) rabeprazole 10 mg, amoxicillin 1000 mg and metronidazole 400 mg (RAM-10) or (ii) high-dose rabeprazole 20 mg, amoxicillin 1000 mg and metronidazole 400 mg (RAM-20), each given twice daily for 7 days. Helicobacter pylori eradication was confirmed by (13)c-urea breath test 5 weeks after stopping medications. side-effects of treatments were documented.

RESULTS

A total of 120 patients were eligible for analysis. By intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis, the eradication rates were 83% and 86% in the RAM-10 group and 75% and 76% in the RAM-20 group, respectively (P = 0.26 and P = 0.17). Both regimens were well-tolerated and compliance was >98% in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-dose rabeprazole in combination with amoxicillin and metronidazole is an effective, economical and well-tolerated therapy for the treatment of H. pylori infection in Chinese population.