Does Minocycline Affect H. Pylori Breath Test?

Posted on Sat, 10 Jun 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 10 Jun 2017 Answered on

Tue, 27 Jun 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hey doctor,

I've been adviced that I have to take a urea breath test for H.plylori(UBT) by my doctor for my chronic acid reflux symptons, but I ceased having Minocycline on the 25th of May for acne after only being on it for 2 days before getting allergic reaction and I read up that you have to be off antibiotics for 4 weeks before doing the UBT test. Would 3 weeks be ok though because the issue is I cant start having the PPi's I was prescribed until I do the UBT as that would also effect the results and I am just suffering from bad nasuea and reflux and im happy to wait until the end of next week which would be 3 weeks apart from taking the Mino but im not sure that I could wait 4 weeks.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please see the detailed answer below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello! I have been through your question.

Related your concern you should know that the recommendations emphasize that antibiotics and bismuth should be stopped for at least 2 weeks and preferably 4 weeks before performing a UBT.
So, based on your situation(if you couldn't wait 4 weeks) and above mentioned recommendations I think you could take a urea breath test for H.pylori (UBT) even after 3 weeks of discontinuation of antibiotic.

Furthermore I suggest to discuss this as well with your doctor before doing urea breath test for H .pylori (UBT).

I hope my answer helps you.
I wish you a quick recovery.
Regards.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana