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Combination Drug Therapy for Peptic Ulcer Disease

Examples

Combination drug therapy regimens

Combination drug therapy regimens commonly used to treat an H. pylori infection include the following options:

  • A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) plus clarithromycin plus amoxicillin or metronidazole
  • A proton pump inhibitor plus a bismuth compound plus metronidazole plus tetracycline

Antibiotics

Some examples of antibiotics used to treat H. pylori are:

Generic Name Brand Name
amoxicillin  
clarithromycin Biaxin
metronidazole Flagyl
tetracycline  

Prepackaged drug combinations

Some of the recommended drug combinations are packaged together for convenience.

Generic Name Brand Name
bismuth subcitrate potassium and metronidazole and tetracycline Pylera
bismuth subsalicylate and metronidazole and tetracycline Helidac
lansoprazole (a PPI) and amoxicillin and clarithromycin Prevpac
omeprazole (a PPI) and amoxicillin and clarithromycin  

How It Works

The right antibiotics combinations usually kill Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria that are the cause of many peptic ulcers. At least two antibiotics are used, because combination treatment works better and is less likely to fail because of resistance to the antibiotics.

Why It Is Used

Combination drug therapy that includes at least two antibiotics, an acid reducer, and sometimes a bismuth compound is recommended for people who have peptic ulcer disease and are known to be infected with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).

How Well It Works

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections are cured 70% to 85% of the time when the right combination drug treatment is used.1

Side Effects

All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.

Here are some important things to think about:

  • Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
  • Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
  • If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:

  • Trouble breathing.
  • Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor if you have:

  • Hives.
  • Bloody, black, or tarry stools.
  • Severe belly pain or nausea.
  • Severe diarrhea.

Common side effects of this medicine include:

  • Headache.
  • Dark-colored tongue and dark-colored stools caused by bismuth.
  • Mild diarrhea.
  • Sore mouth or tongue.
  • Vaginal itching or discharge.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

It is very important that you take all of the medicine prescribed. Do not stop taking your medicine even if you feel better. It may seem like a lot of pills to take, but it is also important to take a regimen that contains at least three medicines to cure Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Combination regimens are the most effective way to help ensure that H. pylori bacteria do not develop resistance to the antibiotics used to treat them.

Completely avoid alcohol use (including nonprescription nighttime cold medicines, such as NyQuil) when you are taking metronidazole. Combining alcohol with this medicine may cause severe nausea and vomiting.

Tetracycline can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

  • Stay out of the sun, if possible.
  • Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and hats, if possible.
  • Use sunscreen with an SPF that your doctor recommends.

Avoid taking milk and other dairy products, antacids, or supplements and vitamins containing iron within 2 hours of taking tetracycline.

Taking these medicines with a full glass of water can help prevent irritation of the esophagus.

Taking medicine

Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.

There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.

Advice for women

Combinations containing metronidazole or tetracycline

Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. If you need to use this medicine, talk to your doctor about how you can prevent pregnancy. These medicines can also affect how well hormonal birth control methods (like the pill) work.

All other combinations

If you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant, do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines can harm your baby. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant. Some of these medicines can also affect how well hormonal birth control methods (like the pill) work.

Checkups

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

Some people who have been treated for H. pylori infection need follow-up testing to ensure that the infection is cured.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

References

Citations

  1. Chey WD, et al. (2007). American College of Gastroenterology guideline of the management of Helicobacter pylori infection. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 102(8): 1808–1825.

Other Works Consulted

  • Yang YX, et al. (2006). Long-term proton pump inhibitor therapy and risk of hip fracture. JAMA, 296(24): 2947–2953.

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology
Last Revised May 14, 2012

Last Revised: May 14, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology

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