Low Dose Furazolidone for Eradication of Helicobacter pylori Instead of Clarithromycin: A Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori infection is a common chronic human bacterial infection. Triple- therapy regimen containing a proton pump inhibitor, clarithromycin, and either amoxicillin or metronidazole is commonly used as first-line treatment for its eradication. However, it may not provide the acceptable eradication rate. The present study was designed to evaluated efficacy of low dose furazolidone with amoxicillin and omeprazole for eradication of H. pylori. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty patients with non- ulcer dyspepsia or peptic ulcer confirmed by upper GI endoscopy, plus H. pylori infection confirmed by rapid urease test were included in the study. They were randomly divided into two groups, and then received clarithromycin, amoxicillin, and omeprazole, or furazolidone (100 mg PO bid), amoxicillin, and omeprazole. They were evaluated using urea breath test at the end of the study. FINDINGS: The eradication rates were 57.6% and 78.8% in clarithromycin and furazolidone groups, respectively. Their difference was statistically significant (P value 0.013). No side effect was seen in the furazolidone group. CONCLUSION: Low dose furazolidone rather than clarithromycin can be used as low- cost and effective drug for eradication of H. pylori, in combination with amoxicillin and omeprazole.