How long will the antibiotic work in my body after treatment?

How long will the antibiotics protect me from the h.pylori bacteria?

I am scared because I am still undergoing treatment and I ate a food I think is unsafe for the sake of good manners. Tomorrow is my last dose. Do you think the antibiotics already killed the h.pylori (in case the food I ate tonight have it?). How long will it stay in my system to protect me after treatment?

[Sandra Y, RPh]

The regimen that you are taking is a first line treatment option to eradicate H. pylori.  In order for the treatment to be effective, it is very important to take the entire course of all medications.  After treatment has finished, repeat testing can be performed to detect if the infection has resolved or not.  Usually this is done with a breath or stool test.  Since H. pylori can be spread by consuming food or water contaminated with fecal water, you are most likely resolved of the infection.  The length of time that any drug stays in your system depends on your physiologic makeup (height, weight, age, body fat, current health status), your current state of stress, as well as the drug’s half life.