Eradication of H. pylori in a developing country: comparison of lansoprazole versus omeprazole with norfloxacin, in a dual-therapy study.

OBJECTIVES

Lansoprazole, a newer benzimidazole, is more potent than omeprazole in its anti-Helicobacter pylori effect in vitro. The present study was aimed at assessing its efficacy in a developing country.

METHODS

Fifty patients were randomized to receive either lansoprazole or omeprazole, with norfloxacin for 2 wk; the ulcer healing rates, H. pylori eradication rates, and recurrence rates were compared over a 6-month period.

RESULTS

Both lansoprazole and omeprazole were equally effective in inducing healing of ulcer (96.1 vs 95.5%, p > 0.05) and eradicating H. pylori (76.9 vs 63.9%, p > 0.05), with very low recurrence rates over a 6-month follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

Either lansoprazole or omeprazole combined with norfloxacin is effective in eradicating H. pylori in a high percentage of cases of duodenal ulcer, with little difference between the two proton pump inhibitors.