How Do PUD Combos Work?

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) combos consist of a combination of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and two or more antibiotics for treating Helicobacter pylori infection.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) cause chronic inflammation (gastritis) by invading the stomach lining and producing a toxin, thus leading to ulcer formation. They are spiral-shaped bacteria that grow in the inner lining of the stomach. To survive the harsh, acidic environment of the stomach, H. pylori secrete an enzyme called urease, which is responsible for converting the chemical urea to ammonia. Ammonia is responsible for neutralizing the acidity in the stomach, allowing bacteria to survive in the tissues. Besides, the immune cells accumulate near sites of H. pylori infection and are unable to reach the stomach lining.

Antibacterial agents in PUD combos help eliminate H. pylori.

PPI drugs reduce acid production by blocking the H+/K+-ATPase, which is an enzyme present in the stomach wall that helps in acid production by contributing hydrogen ions. Decreasing the acid in the stomach can prevent ulcers and facilitate the healing of existing ulcers.

Thus, PUD combos aim to eliminate infection and suppress acid production to heal the tissue and prevent ulcer formation.

PUD combos are used for the eradication of H. pylori infection to reduce the risk of:

• Peptic ulcer disease (gastric and duodenal)
• Chronic gastritis
• Upper gastrointestinal diseases
• Gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma

PUD combos may cause the following side effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Vaginal itching or discharge
• Unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth
• Black or "hairy" tongue
• Some of the severe side effects of PUD combos include:
• Hives
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling in the face or throat
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Burning eyes
• Skin pain
• Red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling
• Skin rash
• Swollen glands
• Muscle aches
• Severe weakness
• Unusual bruising
• Jaundice
• Severe stomach pain
• Bloody or watery diarrhea
• Fast or pounding heartbeats
• Fluttering in the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden dizziness
• Upper stomach pain
• Itching
• Loss of appetite
• Dark urine
• Urinating more or less than usual
• Blood in the urine
• Swelling
• Rapid weight gain
• Joint pain
• Skin rash on the cheeks or arms that worsens in sunlight

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand names of PUD combos include:

• Amoxicillin/omeprazole/rifabutin
• Lansoprazole/amoxicillin/clarithromycin
• Omeclamox-pak
• Omeprazole/amoxicillin/clarithromycin
• Prevpac
• Talicia