What is quadruple therapy?

As we all know, being infected with Helicobacter pylori is a very uncomfortable thing, and in severe cases it can cause extreme pain. But since you have been diagnosed with Helicobacter pylori infection, you must actively receive treatment. Only in this way can your health be guaranteed. Helicobacter pylori is usually treated with quadruple therapy, but what is quadruple therapy?

1. Introduction to quadruple therapy:

Quadruple therapy refers to a treatment regimen of colloidal bismuth + three antibiotics. Commonly used drug combinations and dosages are as follows: 1. Potassium bismuth citrate 240mg + amoxicillin 750mg + metronidazole 400mg + omeprazole 20mg 2. Potassium bismuth citrate 240mg + erythromycin 500mg + metronidazole 400mg + omeprazole 20mg 3. Potassium bismuth citrate 240mg + tetracycline 500mg + metronidazole 400mg + omeprazole 20mg 7 to 14 days as a course of treatment. After a course of treatment, continue to take potassium bismuth citrate alone for 6 weeks, with the same dosage and usage as before. Note that amoxicillin requires a skin test (amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic in the penicillin class.)

2. Advantages of quadruple therapy:

The remission rate and eradication rate of quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection are higher than those of triple therapy, with the remission rate being more than ten percentage points higher and the eradication rate being several percentage points higher. The resistance rate of quadruple therapy is slightly lower than that of triple therapy. It is currently the most commonly used first-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori in clinical practice, and the second-line treatment after failure of triple therapy.

3. Problems with quadruple therapy:

Due to the addition of an antibiotic, the quadruple therapy not only has a higher remission rate and eradication rate than the triple therapy, but the incidence of side effects is also 5 percentage points higher than the triple therapy, at about 30%. Although the drug resistance rate is temporarily lower than that of the triple vaccine, it is also increasing. Therefore, the eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori of quadruple therapy has also been decreasing year by year. The latest data show that the eradication rate of quadruple therapy has dropped to about 70%.

4. Research progress of quadruple therapy:

Like triple therapy, the latest research shows that if antibiotics with lower resistance rates such as furazolidone are used instead of antibiotics with higher resistance rates such as metronidazole, the eradication rate of quadruple therapy can also be improved. In addition, studies have shown that extending the course of quadruple therapy can also increase the eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori.

5. Post-healing care for Helicobacter pylori

1. To change the way of eating, it is advisable to choose the separate dining system or use serving chopsticks. 2. Drink boiled water instead of raw water, eat cooked food instead of raw food, and sterilize milk before drinking. 3. Experiments have shown that patients with ulcers are also at risk of spreading the disease when kissing others, so they should be vigilant. 4. Develop good hygiene habits and wash your hands before meals and after going to the toilet. Tableware that is used frequently must also be strictly disinfected. 5. Do not place cleaning supplies such as toothbrushes in the bathroom. Make sure to place them in a ventilated place. Hygiene also requires regular ventilation and sunlight exposure. If the bathroom is on the shady side, ultraviolet light can be used for 5-10 minutes. 6. Go to the hospital regularly for Helicobacter pylori examination. 7. Use probiotic preparations regularly to improve gastrointestinal microecology and enhance gastrointestinal immunity.