Final answer:
To treat H. pylori infections, a combination of proton pump inhibitors and antibiotics such as metronidazole and tetracycline is used. These medications reduce stomach acid and eradicate the bacteria, whereas antacids purely provide symptom relief.
Step-by-step explanation:
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole, are medications that reduce stomach acid production, creating a less favorable environment for H. pylori bacteria. Alongside PPIs, antibiotics like metronidazole, tetracycline, and clarithromycin are effectively used to eradicate H. pylori. The US Food and Drug Administration recommends specific combination therapies, including a triple therapy consisting of a PPI, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin. An alternative is the 14-day bismuth-containing quadruple therapy with bismuth, metronidazole, and tetracycline, which provides a broad spectrum of action against the bacteria. These treatments also include acid-reducing drugs that differ from antacids, such as Hâ‚‚-receptor antagonists or PPIs, and are essential for curtailing the acidic environment that H. pylori thrives in.
Contrarily, antacids, which offer symptomatic relief from ulcer-induced pain and indigestion, do not contribute to bacterial eradication. They are useful for immediate relief but are incorporated into regimens alongside antibiotics and acid reducers for a comprehensive approach to treating H. pylori infections.