Stomach ulcer treatment typically involves the use of medications like omeprazole, cimetidine or antacids, which help to reduce the stomach acid acidity and prevent the development of ulcers. These medications can also be taken to promote ulcer healing and treat inflammation of the lining along the gastrointestinal tract.

A stomach ulcer is an open wound that forms in the stomach that can be caused by an unhealthy diet or bacterial infection in the stomach. It can cause symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. Learn more about the symptoms of a stomach ulcer and how it can present.

Stomach ulcer treatment with medications should be guided by a gastroenterologist. The medicine chosen will depend on factors like the severity of the condition, the patient's presenting symptoms and any co-existing conditions.

Medicine for stomach ulcers

The main medications that can be prescribed for stomach ulcer treatment include:

1. Antibiotics

Antibiotics like clarithromycin, amoxicillin, tetracycline, metronidazole or levofloxacin may be prescribed by the doctor for stomach ulcers that are caused by an H. pylori infection in the stomach. This bacteria is typically detected by diagnostic tests like an endoscopy.

Generally, two antibiotics are used to treat an H. pylori infection. These are prescribed together with a proton pump inhibitor, like esomeprazole, lansoprazole or omeprazole, and/or an antacid, like bismuth subsalicylate. This combination of medications is prescribed for approximately 7 to 14 days.

It is important to note that antibiotics can cause side effects such as diarrhea, vomiting, poor digestion, nausea, abdominal pain, skin reactions, headache, taste changes and insomnia.

2. Proton pump inhibitors

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), like omeprazole, esomeprazole or lansoprazole, can also be prescribed for stomach ulcer treatment. They act by reducing stomach acid production by inhibiting the proton pumps present in stomach wall cells. By reducing acid production, the tissue of the stomach lining, as well as any ulcers, are given a chance to heal.

These medications should be used as prescribed, as they can cause side effects such as kidney problems, headache, diarrhea, bumps on the skin, abdominal pain, excessive gas, nausea, constipation or B12 deficiency.

Furthermore, prolonged use of these medications can increase the risk of bone fractures, in the hips, wrist or spine, for example.

3. Histamine receptor antagonists

Histamine receptor antagonists, such as cimetidine, nizatidine or famotidine, are medications that reduce stomach acid production by binding to histamine receptors in stomach wall cells. Histamine can trigger increased stomach acid production, and inhibiting can interfere with this process.

Similar to PPIs, reduced stomach acid in the stomach can also help to promote healing in the lining of the stomach.

The most common side effects caused by histamine receptor antagonists are diarrhea, headache, drowsiness, insomnia, fatigue, muscle pain, dizziness, vertigo or constipation.

4. Gastric protectors

Gastric protectors, such as sucralfate, form a protective barrier in the stomach lining over ulcers. This helps to prevent stomach acid from damaging the lining and promote healing.

The most common side effects caused by gastric protectors are dark stools, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, bumps on the skin or psychotic disorders.

5. Antacids

Antacids, like aluminum hydroxide, milk of magnesia, calcium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate, work by quickly neutralizing stomach acid. They can be taken to temporarily relieve pain caused by gastric ulcers.

However, antacids do not cure gastric ulcers, and only help to reduce discomfort. They should only be taken if recommended by your gastroenterologist, as excessive or long-term use can cause rebound acidity, which is when the stomach increases acid production.

Antacids can cause side effects such as diarrhea or kidney problems, and should therefore not be taken for longer than 2 weeks.

Another antacid that your doctor may recommend is bismuth subsalicylate, especially in cases of gastric ulcers caused by H. pylori. In addition to reducing stomach acidity, it also helps reduce stomach inflammation and has a bactericidal action. It is usually taken together with antibiotics and PPIs.

When to take

Medications for stomach ulcer treatment may be prescribed to treat:

Gastric ulcer
Gastritis
Ulcerative gastroduodenal disease
Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
Duodenal ulcer
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome.

Generally, these health conditions can cause stomach pain or discomfort, even without the presence of an ulcer. Therefore, the above treatment may be considered to help relieve any associated symptoms.

Contraindications for use

The above medications for stomach ulcer treatment should not be used by anyone who is allergic to the components in the medication formula. They should also not be taken by anyone with serious liver or kidney disease.

Children, pregnant women or breastfeeding women should only take these medications after thorough assessment and approval by their doctor.

Care during treatment

When undergoing stomach ulcer treatment, other important precautions that can help speed-up healing include:

Taking medications at the correct times, as prescribed by your doctor
Avoiding taking medication on your own, especially anti-inflammatories
Avoiding smoking or drinking alcohol
Avoiding spicy or highly seasoned foods, as these can worsen symptoms
Reducing stress levels by ensuring adequate rest and regular exercise

It is also important to maintain a balanced, healthy, easily digestible diet that is low in fat and sugar. You should opt for foods that are high in fiber, like fruits, vegetables and leafy greens. Read more about the ulcer and gastritis diet that your registered dietitian may recommend.