QuadrupleTherapie

QuadrupleTherapie refers to a medical treatment strategy that combines four active agents in a single regimen to treat a disease. The term is most commonly encountered in the management of Helicobacter pylori infection, where quadruple therapy aims to eradicate the bacterium and promote healing of gastric or duodenal ulcers. In this context two main forms are used: bismuth-containing quadruple therapy (often with a proton pump inhibitor, bismuth, metronidazole, and tetracycline) and non-bismuth quadruple therapy, also known as concomitant therapy (usually a proton pump inhibitor plus amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and metronidazole). Regimens typically run for 10 to 14 days, but durations may vary by guidelines and resistance patterns.

The rationale is that four agents with different mechanisms, combined with acid suppression, increase eradication rates and help counter resistance. Adherence is important, as regimens may cause side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, metallic taste, or dark stools from bismuth; photosensitivity with doxycycline or tetracycline; and potential drug interactions. Contraindications include allergy to any component, and considerations in pregnancy, liver or kidney disease, or interactions with other medications.

Although most commonly associated with Helicobacter pylori treatment, quadruple therapy is also used in other infectious or neoplastic settings to describe regimens that employ four concurrent therapies. See also Helicobacter pylori, antibiotic resistance, gastroenterology.