Which macrolide can be used in combination therapy for H. pylori?

Clarithromycin is specifically indicated for use in combination therapy for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication. It is part of the standard treatment regimens known as triple or quadruple therapy, often combined with a proton pump inhibitor and either amoxicillin or metronidazole. Clarithromycin works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, making it effective against H. pylori infections.

Its effectiveness in this context has been well established, and it is recommended in clinical guidelines for the treatment of peptic ulcers associated with H. pylori. This macrolide's pharmacokinetic properties, such as its ability to penetrate tissues effectively, also contribute to its utility in this therapeutic setting. Other macrolides, while having antibacterial properties, do not have the same level of clinical support for this specific indication in H. pylori therapy.