91.3% eradication rate with new therapeutic triad for H. pylori infection

In the case of resistance to Clarithromycin and Metronidazole, the use of Gemifloxacin, Amoxicillin and Rabeprazole offers high efficacy and tolerability, making it a compelling option for H. pylori, a novel study issued in ‘Medicine’ journal unveiled.

There has been an increase in resistant strains of H. pylori due to which complete eradication has been difficult. Poor compliance and adverse events associated with quadruple therapies are also concerning.

This pilot study by Kilic Guner et al. assessed the efficacy, reliability and adverse effects of a triple combination therapy of Amoxicillin, Rabeprazole with Gemifloxacin, a new generation quinolone, in the treatment of H. pylori infections. In the study, a total of 71 patients were administered Amoxicillin 1000 mg twice daily + Gemifloxacin 320 mg once daily + Rabeprazole 20 mg twice daily for a week. Thereafter, the compliance of the therapy and tolerance were gauged.

One-month post-treatment, faecal tests showed H. pylori eradication in 88.7% of patients, while 11.3% still had the infection. Out of all patients, 2 were non-compliant showed adverse reactions and were not able to complete the treatment. Therefore, eradication of H. pylori infection was evident in 63 (91.3%) out of 69 patients who completed the treatment.

Overall, 9 patients reported having adverse events with diarrhoea, bloating, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting observed in some of these patients.