Efficacy of domestic clarithromycin combined short-term triple therapy for eradication of Helicobacter pylori

AIM: To determine efficacy and adverse reactions of domestic clarithromycin combined shortterm triple therapy for eradication of Helicobacter pylori (Hp). METHODS: Ninetyone patients with Hp associated peptic ulcer or chronic erosive antral gastritis were divided into 2 groups. Group A (n=47, M 40, F 7, age 57 a±s 14 a)were treated with omeprazole 20 mg, plus tinidazole 500 mg, and domestic clarithromycin 250 mg, po, bid for 1 wk; Group B (n=44, M40, F4, age 59 a±19 a) were treated with omeprazole 20 mg plus tinidazole 500 mg and imported clarithromycin 250 mg, po, bid for 1 wk. One month after antiHp therapy endoscopy and tests of Hp were repeated. RESULTS: The eradication rates of Group A and Group B were 85 % and 91 %, respectively. Adverse reactions occurred in 5 patients of Group A (11 %) and in 6 patients of Group B (14 %), but well tolerated. The results between Group A and Group B showed no significant difference (P0.05). Cost of antiHp was 470 yuan (RMB) in Group A and 550 yuan (RMB) in Group B. CONCLUSION: The eradication rates in Hp of domestic or imported clarithromycin combined shortterm triple therapies are similar, without severe adverse reactions; but Group A has a lower cost than Group B.