Does antibiotic treatment treat Helicobacter pylori infection?

H. pylori lives in the stomach lining. Treatment commonly combines antibiotics with acid-reducing medicine, and sometimes another medicine, so the bacteria are exposed to more than one way of control. The exact combination depends on allergies, previous antibiotics, local guidance, and whether earlier treatment worked.

Complete the prescribed course even if stomach pain, nausea, or indigestion improves. Stopping early can leave bacteria behind and make later treatment more difficult. A follow-up breath or stool test may be arranged after treatment, because symptoms alone cannot confirm that the infection has cleared.

Take each medicine at the stated times and ask a pharmacist about interactions with your other medicines. Avoid changing the regimen yourself if side effects occur; contact the prescriber so the problem can be assessed and managed safely. Keep the follow-up testing appointment if one is arranged.

Contact a clinician promptly for persistent vomiting, severe diarrhoea, a widespread rash, swelling of the lips or face, or breathing difficulty after starting treatment. Seek urgent care for vomiting blood, black stools, fainting, or severe worsening abdominal pain.

Ask which medicines you will take, what to do if you miss a dose, when to test for clearance, and whether your household or close contacts need any assessment.