One to two weeks of antibiotics (like clarithromycin and amoxicillin) along with a proton-pump inhibitor such as omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid) or esomeprazole (Nexium) is generally the treatment regimen to get rid of H. pylori and treat symptoms present including an ulcer or gastritis.
Expectations (prognosis):
Once the H. pylori bacteria are eliminated, recurrence rates are very low in the United States.
Complications:
H. pylori infection is linked to stomach cancer and ulcer disease.
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider if you have blood in your stool, abdominal pain, ongoing indigestion or heartburn, or any of the other symptoms mentioned above.
Call immediately, or get safely to the closest emergency room, if you are vomiting blood.
Review Date: 1/23/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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