Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the number one cause of peptic ulcer disease. In peptic ulcer disease, sores arise from the weakening of normal protective mechanisms in the lining of the stomach or small intestine (duodenum). Although other causes and mechanisms exist, H. pylori increases acid production of the stomach, subsequently, leading to ulcers or sores in the stomach. Curing these ulcers prevents complications and increases life expectancy, reports the American Journal of Gastroenterology.
Amoxicillin (Amoxil)
The drug amoxicillin belongs to a class of drugs called penicillins. Penicillins get rid of bacteria by interrupting the reproduction of new bacteria. It disrupts the cell walls of bacteria, killing them. Amoxicillin proves effective against gram positive, gram negative organisms, as well as H. pylori.
Other drugs that inhibit the cell walls of bacteria include aminoglycosides, fluroquinolones, sulfonamides and tetracyclines.
Adverse reactions reported include sensitivity in those patients with allergies, nausea and vomiting. Serious reactions reported involve infection of the intestine, and renal damage as listed by the DailyMed. Amoxicillin combinations are available.
Clarithromycin (Biaxin)
Like others in the macrolide class, clarithromycin binds to a portion of the bacteria's RNA preventing the making of new proteins and new bacteria. Macrolides don't kill bacteria they slow the organism. They are considered 'bacteriostatic' drugs.
Other drugs in this class include vazithromycin, metronidazole, dirithromycin, and erythromycin.
Side effects commonly associated with comprise diarrhea, nausea, abnormal taste, dyspepsia, abdominal pain/discomfort and headache. Interactions with other drugs was listed as one of the most serious side effects according to Daily Med.
Metronidazole
Metronidazole belongs to a class of drugs called imidazoles, along with thiazole. It combats both protozoal organisms and bacterial. It works by forming unstable molecules inside the bacteria, thus killing them. Metronidazole shows effectiveness against bacteria that dislikes oxygen.
According to the DailyMed, 12 percent of patients experience symptoms associated with the stomach and/or the intestines with nausea and vomiting. The most serious reports of side effects include seizures, headaches and inflammation of the brain.
Tetracyclines
Tetracyclines work in a similar fashion to amoxicillin with a similar side effect profile. Their exert their inhibitory effect by preventing bacterial cell wall synthesis. This also prevents bacteria from reproducing. They do not kill existing bacteria.
Representative examples of tetracyclines include doxycycline, minocycline, panmycin, terramycin and trimocycline.
Reported side effects by DailyMed encompass symptoms of teeth staining and various skin rashes, in addition to nausea, anorexia, a black hairy tongue and vomiting. Esophagitis may occur in patients who lie down after taking medication.
