Florida National University Eradicate Helicobacter Pylori Discussion Post

The treatment goals for J.G are to alleviate symptoms, eradicate Helicobacter pylori, and heal the mucosa with ulceration by preventing further action of secretion that further ulcerate the area, prevent complications of peptic ulcer disease, and lastly, prevent future recurrences.

I would prescribe triple therapy, which includes the combination of three drugs for 14 days. The drugs include omeprazole, clarithromycin, and metronidazole. This is the recommended first-line therapy (Chey et al., 2017). The choice of this drug is based on J.G is likely to have Helicobacter pylori-associated peptic ulcer disease. Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that promotes the ulcers’ healing and reduces gastric acidity alleviating symptoms. Metronidazole and clarithromycin are antibiotics that eradicate Helicobacter pylori. The important things to know while taking the medications, to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the regime; the drugs should be taken as prescribed. Also, one should avoid alcohol while taking metronidazole, and J.G should stop smoking. Smoking affects the healing process leading to a refractory ulcer (Ahmed, 2019).

One adverse effect of clarithromycin and metronidazole is hypersensitivity reactions that can cause burning, irritation, and rashes. Also, the two drugs can cause Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which will necessitate changing the therapy. Omeprazole can cause acid regurgitation, which will prolong recovery and will require a change of therapy. The second line treatment for J.G is quadruple bismuth therapy. This consists of a combination of four drugs, including bismuth, tetracycline, metronidazole, and omeprazole (Chey et al., 2017). The length of treatment with this therapy is recommended for 14 days (Chey et al., 2017). Smoking affects the healing of the gastric mucosa and supports H pylori’s growth; hence, J.G should stop smoking. Besides, he should take his meals early, at least 2 to 3 hours before bedtime, and reduce caffeine intake. Caffeine is injuries to the mucosa and may impair the healing process (Ahmed, 2019).

References

Ahmed, M. (2019). Peptic Ulcer Disease. Digestive System – Recent Advances. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.86652

Chey, W. D., Leontiadis, G. I., Howden, C. W., & Moss, S. F. (2017). ACG Clinical Guideline: Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 112(2), 212–239. https://doi.org/doi: 10.1038/ajg.2016.563