A novel therapeutic approach for Helicobacter pylori infection: the bismuth-based triple therapy monocapsule.
Helicobacter pylori infection causes peptic ulcer disease and must be regarded as a serious infectious disease. Over the past two decades treatment of the infection has been a controversial issue. Treatment is purely empirical and based on combinations of two, three or four existing drugs. Antimicrobial resistance is important and an observed increase in the prevalence of resistance may change the relative importance of certain antibiotics. Bismuth-based triple therapy with bismuth, tetracycline and metronidazole is a well investigated, cheap and FDA approved regimen to cure the infection. Adding a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) increases efficacy. A novel monocapsule ("Helicide") that contains bismuth, tetracycline and metronidazole simplifies the regimen. This new and patient-friendly drug has been investigated in clinical studies and is expected to be released in North America in 2002.
de Boer
W A
WA
Department of Internal Medicine, Ziekenhuis Bernhoven, Postbus 10, 5340 BE Oss, The Netherlands. w.deboer@bernhoven.nl
D000863:Antacids / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001729:Bismuth / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004338:Drug Combinations; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D016480:Helicobacter pylori / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013754:Tetracyclines
D000863:Antacids; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D013754:Tetracyclines; D008795:Metronidazole; D001729:Bismuth