Medicines and products for peptic ulcer

Peptic ulcers heal well with the right medicines. Treatment depends on the cause, and a doctor should prescribe it.

If H. pylori is present

• Combination therapy: usually a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) plus two or three antibiotics, often for 10 to 14 days. Regimens vary by region and resistance.
• Take every dose, even if pain stops.
• A test of cure is done at least 4 weeks after finishing antibiotics.

Acid-reducing medicines

• PPIs (such as omeprazole, pantoprazole, esomeprazole): the main treatment, usually for 4 to 8 weeks.
• H2 blockers (such as famotidine): an alternative in some cases.
• Antacids: give quick, short relief but do not heal the ulcer.
• Sucralfate: forms a protective layer in some cases.

If pain tablets are the cause

Stop the NSAID if possible. If it must continue, the doctor may add a PPI for protection or switch the medicine.

Cautions

• Do not take PPIs for months without advice. Long use has possible effects on magnesium, B12 and bone.
• Metronidazole and alcohol should not be mixed.
• Tell your doctor about all medicines, pregnancy, and liver or kidney conditions.