Mono, dual and triple moxifloxacin-based therapies for Helicobacter pylori eradication

Background: Moxifloxacin is a broad spectrum fluoroquinolone with single daily administration, currently used, above all, for respiratory tract infections. Aim: To compare the efficacy of different 1-week moxifloxacin-based Helicobacter pylori eradication regimens. Methods: One hundred and twenty H. pylori-positive subjects were randomized to receive moxifloxacin (400 mg/day), moxifloxacin (400 mg/day) and lansoprazole (30 mg/day) or moxifloxacin (400 mg/day), lansoprazole (30 mg/day) and clarithromycin (500 mg b.d.). H. pylori status was reassessed 6 weeks after the end of therapy. and both intention-to-treat and per protocol analyses were performed. Results: One hundred and nineteen of the 120 patients completed the study. H. pylori eradication was achieved in 22.5% of patients treated with moxifloxacin, in 33.3% of subjects treated with moxifloxacin and lansoprazole and in: 90%, of patients treated with moxifloxacin, clarithromycin and lansoprazole. Conclusions: Mono and dual moxifloxacin-based therapies are not acceptable for H. pylori eradication: conversely, moxifloxacin-based triple therapy may be considered as a new, effective, first-line therapy option.