Low efficacy of an ultra-short term, once-daily dose triple therapy with omeprazole, azithromycin, and secnidazole for Helicobacter pylori eradication in peptic ulcer

• Published in: Revista do Hospital das Clinicás 2002, Vol.57 (1), p.9-14
• Main Authors: Silva, Fernando Marcuz, Eisig, Jaime Natan, Chehter, Ethel Zimberg, da Silva, Júlio Jovino, Laudanna, Antonio Atílio
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Anti-Bacterial Agents - administration & dosage; Anti-Ulcer Agents - administration & dosage; Antiprotozoal Agents - administration & dosage; Azithromycin - administration & dosage; Drug Administration Schedule; Drug Therapy, Combination; Duodenal Ulcer - drug therapy; Female; Helicobacter Infections - drug therapy; Helicobacter pylori - drug effects; Humans; Male; MEDICINE, GENERAL & INTERNAL; Metronidazole - administration & dosage; Metronidazole - analogs & derivatives; Middle Aged; Omeprazole - administration & dosage; Peptic Ulcer - drug therapy; Peptic Ulcer - microbiology; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 0041-8781; 1678-9903; 0041-8781
• DOI: 10.1590/S0041-87812002000100002

To determine the eradication rate of an ultra-short treatment schedule for Helicobacter pylori infection in a population with peptic ulcers, using omeprazole, secnidazole, and azithromycin in a once-daily dose for 3 days. Thirty patients with peptic ulcer diagnosed by upper endoscopy and for Helicobacter pylori infection by rapid urease test and histologic examination received omeprazole 40 mg, secnidazole 1000 mg, and azithromycin 500 mg, administered once daily for 3 days. A follow-up exam was performed 12 weeks after the end of the treatment. Patients who were negative for Helicobacter pylori infection by rapid urease test and histologic examination were considered cured. Patients were predominantly female, and the mean age was 50 years. Duodenal peptic ulcer was found in 73% of the patients. Eradication was achieved in 9 of the 28 (32%) patients as determined from the follow-up endoscopic exam. The eradication rate by intention to treat was 30%. Side effects were present in 3% of the patients, and compliance to treatment was total. In spite of the low rate of side effects and good compliance, the eradication index was low. A possible drawback of this therapy is that it reduces the efficacy of macrolide and nitroimidazole compounds in subsequent treatments.