RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Regimens with ranitidine bismuth citrate (RBC) or omeprazole (O) are effective in eradicating Helicobacter pylori. This randomized, open, multicentre trial compares three different regimens with these drugs. METHODS: Consecutive H. pylori +ve outpatients were included. The alternative regimens were: 1) O 20 mg, clarithromycin (C) 250 mg and metronidazole (M) 500 mg (O.C.M), 2) RBC 400 mg, C 250 mg and M 500 mg (RBC.C.M), 3) RBC 400 mg, tetracycline (T) 1000 mg and M 500 mg [RBC.T.M]. All drugs were given twice daily for 7 days. H. pylori infection was assessed with H. pylori urea breath tests. RESULTS: 426 H. pylori +ve patients were included (mean age 58 years [range 18-88], male/female: 244/182). The eradication rates (intention to treat) in the O.C.M, RBC.C.M and RBC.T.M groups were 117/137 (85%), 141/146 (97%) and 117/143 (82%), respectively (P < 0.001, overall assessment). There were no significant differences in side effects between the alternatives. CONCLUSION: In this trial, RBC.C.M was the most effective one, it was well tolerated and compliance was satisfactory. RBC.T.M is an alternative to regimens with clarithromycin.