available over the counter: no

uses: treatment of duodenal ulcers caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria

mechanism of action: enhances antibiotic effect of clarithromycin to erradicate Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which is felt to re causative of the majority of peptic ulcers

side effects
• common: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache,
• less common: abdominal discomfort, tremors
• serious: none

concerns: patients not successfully treated with ranitidine and clarithromycin may have Helicobacter pylori resistant to the medicines