Triple therapy with pantoprazole, clarithromycin and amoxicillin for eradication in patients with Helicobacter pylori positive duodenal ulcers.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of a 7-day pantoprazole 40 mg twice a day (bid) plus clarithromycin 500 mg bid and amoxicillin one gram bid therapy in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in patients with H. pylori positive duodenal ulcers.

METHODS: The present study was a prospective, non-comparative and open-label designed. After confirming duodenal ulcer by endoscopy, patients with evidence of H. pylori infection with Campylobacter like organism (CLO) test, histology or culture were given eradication treatment for 7 days. Successful eradication was confirmed with second endoscopy after 4 weeks unless all CLO test, histology or culture were negative. Relief of symptoms and any adverse effects were recorded. The trial took place between February 2002 and April 2002 at King Hussein Medical Center, Royal Medical Services, Amman, Jordan.

RESULTS: Eradication rate of H. pylori was 94% at 4 weeks after treatment was given. There was an improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms and adverse events were recorded in 5 patents only; however, in no case was withdrawal of treatment necessary.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that a 7-day pantoprazole 40 mg bid plus clarithromycin 500 mg bid and amoxicillin one gram bid therapy is an effective and well tolerated therapeutic approach for H. pylori eradication.