Korean J Gastroenterol.
2000 Apr;35(4):429-438.
The Efficacy of Ranitidine Bismuth Citrate plus Clarithromycin
for the Eradication of Helicobacter pylori and the Healing of Duodenal Ulcer
Abstract
- BACKGROUND/AIMS
To assess the safety and the efficacy of the combined
therapy of ranitidine bismuth citrate (RBC) with clarithromycin on the eradication
of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and the healing of duodenal ulcer, we performed
this study. The combined therapy of RBC 400 mg and clarithromycin 500 mg was
indicated to be taken twice daily. METHODS:Eighty-two patients with active duodenal
ulcer were confirmed to have H. pylori infection. This was an open, non-comparative,
multicentre study. After 2-weeks treatment with RBC and clarithromycin, RBC alone was
administered for following 2 weeks. Ulcer status was assessed by endoscopy at the
beginning and the end of treatment. H. pylori status was assessed by CLO test and
histological test at the beginning and 4 weeks after the completion of treatment.
At the beginning, 2 weeks and 4 weeks after the start of treatment, ulcer symptoms
were recorded on a scale of absent, mild, moderate or severe. RESULTS: Fifty-seven
patients underwent an evaluable CLO test and histological test 4 weeks after the
completion of treatment. The eradication rates of H. pylori was 70.2% (40/57)
in the combined therapy of RBC plus clarithromycin. Ulcer healing rates at
the end of treatment and 4-6 weeks after the completion of treatment were 88.2%
(60/68) and 89.5% (51/57), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The coadministration
of RBC and clarithromycin is a simple, well-tolerated and effective treatment
for active H. pylori-associated duodenal ulcer disease.