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.
• Avoid unregulated "ulcer cure" products.

Bleeding ulcers

These need hospital care, often with endoscopic treatment, intravenous medicines and sometimes blood transfusion.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive)

Herbal products may be used alongside treatment only with a doctor's advice. They do not replace antibiotics or PPIs.

Remember

Finish the full course and complete follow-up testing. Self-medicating with antacids alone can hide a serious ulcer.