Drug Treatment for H. Pylori

H. pylori is short for helicobacter pylori, a type of bacteria that is thought to be spread by oral transmission (see Resources). H. pylori resides in your stomach and intestines, and can be the cause of ulcers and non-specific gastritis. Drug treatment in the form of antibiotics is used to kill H. Pylori. Once the bacteria is eradicated, the stomach lining can heal.

Diagnosis First

• A firm diagnosis of H. pylori must be made before you begin a regimen of antibiotics to treat the infection. Blood testing, a type of breath test and endoscopy are all diagnostic procedures that will show whether H. pylori is present.

Antibiotics

• Four different antibiotics are commonly used to treat an H. pylori infection, including amoxycillin, tetracycline, metronidazole and clarithromycin. Notify your doctor about any drug allergies and medical conditions, such as pregnancy, before starting any medication.

Duration

• Drug treatment for H. pylori usually lasts for two weeks. If you still feel symptoms after that time, your doctor may switch you to a different antibiotic to attempt to kill the bacteria.

Antacids

• Acid-reducers such as omeprazole and cimetidine may be prescribed by your doctor in conjunction with antibiotics.

Side Effects

• Speak to your doctor if you experience side effects from the drug treatment you are receiving for H. pylori. Diarrhea, indigestion and a bad taste in the mouth are common reactions, but are rarely serious in nature.