Comparison of the efficacy of 400 mg and 800 mg of clarithromycin used with lansoprazole and amoxicillin in eradication regimens for Helicobacter pylori infection in a Japanese population

We conducted a randomized prospective comparative study to determine whethe r a 1-week lansoprazole-amoxicillin-clarithromycin (LAC) regimen with 800 m g of clarithromycin a day was more effective such a regimen with 400 mg dai ly in the Japanese population. One hundred and seventy-five Helicobacter py lori-positive patients were randomly assigned to receive one of two differe nt 7-day regimens, one with clarithromycin 400 mg (LAC 400 regimen) and the other with clarithromycin 800 mg (LAC 800 regimen). The cure rates for bot h regimens were similar, although adverse effects were significantly more f requent in the LAC 800 regimen, suggesting that 400 mg of clarithromycin ma y be sufficient in our patient population.