[Eradication therapy of Helicobacter pylori for elderly patients in Japan]

In Japan, an eradication therapy of Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) for peptic ulcers of stomach and duodenum was approved by a health insurance since November 1, 2000. A method of an eradication therapy is as follows. Adult patients are received lansoprazole 30 mg, amoxicillin 750 mg, clarithromycin 200-400 mg at the same time twice daily for seven days. This therapy is based on a guideline of a Japanese association of Helicobacter Research. Many elderly patients have complications such as hypertension, cerebral vascular disturbance, heart failure and so on. Moreover, they often take a several medicine including NSAIDs(non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Therefore, you should pay attention especially to interaction of drugs when planning an eradication therapy of H. pylori for elderly patients.