Susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori to simethicone and other non-antibiotic drugs.

The antifoaming agent simethicone (Lefax), the protease inhibitor gabexate mesilate (FOY), the antimycotic ketoconazole, and the hydroxyl scavangers dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) and allopurinol were investigated for growth inhibition of Helicobacter pylori and representative strains of other bacterial species. H. pylori were selectively inhibited by 64-128 mg/L of simethicone, 64-128 mg/L gabexate mesilate, and 16-64 mg/L ketoconazole. Dimethylsulphoxide and allopurinol showed no antibacterial effect at concentrations used therapeutically. It is concluded that gabexate mesilate, ketoconazole and, particularly, simethicone are candidates for treatment of H. pylori infection.