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Helicobacter Infection Treatment

A bacterium, Helicobacter pylori lives and thrives in or on the epithelial lining of the stomach. For most people, an infection from H. pylori exhibits no symptoms. For others, the infection increases the risk of peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer.

  1. Antibiotics

    • Your doctor may prescribe a combination of antibiotics to kill the bacteria. Common medications include clarithromycin (Biaxin), amoxicillin, metronidazole (Flagyl) and tetracycline.

    Acid Reducers

    • Along with the antibiotics, your doctor may provide acid reducers such as omeprazole (Prilosec) and lansoprazole (Prevacid). These medications reduce the stomach's acidity, enhancing the effectiveness of antibiotics by creating an unfavorable environment for H. pylori.

    Stomach Lining Protector

    • Bismuth subsalicylate, the active ingredient in Pepto-Bismol, may be prescribed instead of acid reducers to coat the lining of the stomach, protecting it from acid.

    Triple Therapy

    • Triple therapy is the most common and preferred approach to the treatment of H. pylori infections. The combination often includes two antibiotics and an acid reducer or stomach soother.

    Time Frame

    • Treatment of H. pylori infections typically last between ten and 14 days. This ensures eradication of all bacteria.

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