Medicines and Products for Gastritis

Treatment depends on the cause. A doctor decides the medicines after examining you and, when needed, testing for H. pylori.

Acid-lowering medicines

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole, pantoprazole and esomeprazole reduce acid and help the lining heal
• H2 blockers such as famotidine are milder
• Antacids give quick, short relief and should not be used for weeks without advice

H. pylori treatment

Usually a combination of two antibiotics with a PPI for about 14 days. Finish the full course even if symptoms improve. A test after treatment confirms the infection has cleared.

Protecting the stomach

• Stop or change NSAID painkillers only on a doctor's advice
• Take painkillers after food and at the lowest dose when they must be used
• Sucralfate may be used by a doctor to coat the lining

Other treatment

Vitamin B12 for autoimmune gastritis. Iron if there is anaemia.

Cautions

• Long-term PPI use without review can cause low magnesium, low B12 and bone effects
• Do not buy antibiotics without a prescription
• Herbal digestive products are unproven for healing gastritis
• Do not give acid medicines to infants or children unless a paediatrician advises

Key point

Black stools, vomiting blood or severe pain need same-day care. Call 112 or 102 in an emergency.

Tell your doctor

List every tablet you use, including painkillers, aspirin, blood thinners, steroids, iron and herbal products, as some of them irritate the stomach or interact with gastritis medicines.