Pharmaceutical interference with the [C-14]carbon urea breath test for thedetection of Helicobacter pylori infection.

Helicobacter pylori bacterias reside in the mucosal lining of the stomach w here, due to a variety of factors, the infection predisposes patients to pe ptic ulcer disease. Detection of H. pylori is important in the treatment an d follow-up of patients with peptic ulcer disease and the urea breath test is the method of choice. This article will briefly review the methods for d iagnosing H. pylori, emphasizing the [C-14]urea breath test. The agents whi ch can interfere with the results of the breath test will be reviewed and t he role of the consulting pharmacist will be discussed.