Gemifloxacin + Amoxicillin + Rabeprazole: 91.3% eradication rate in H. pylori pilot study

In areas where clarithromycin and metronidazole resistance is prevalent, a novel approach to combating H. pylori infection has emerged- Gemifloxacin, Amoxicillin and Rabeprazole combination found to be an effective and tolerable first-line treatment option, as per a pilot study published in the ‘Medicine, Baltimore’ journal.

The study performed by Guner Kilic et al. considered 71 previously untreated patients with H.pylori. It aimed to assess the effectiveness, safety, and side effect profile of Amoxicillin 1000 mg given twice daily, Gemifloxacin 320 mg given once daily, and Rabeprazole 20 mg given twice daily, as triple-therapy for a duration of 7 days. Compliance and tolerance to the treatment were monitored throughout the study period.

Following the completion of the treatment course, H. pylori eradication was assessed in all patients by examining faecal H. pylori antigen levels a month after the use of the triple therapy. As disclosed, H. pylori eradication was achieved in 63 out of 71 patients (88.7%). However, due to side effects and non-compliance, 2 people withdrew from the treatment. After excluding these cases, successful eradication was observed in 63 out of 69 patients (91.3%). While 12.7% of patients reported side effects such as diarrhoea, bloating, pain in the abdomen, and nausea-vomiting; no serious adverse reactions (acid reflux, constipation, rashes, fatigue, headache, dry mouth or weight loss) were noted.