Common Medications Used to Treat Stomach Ulcers

When it comes to treating stomach ulcers, the approach usually involves both addressing the underlying cause and managing the symptoms. If a specific trigger is identified—such as a Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection—then the treatment will focus on eliminating this bacterial infection. The following medications are commonly prescribed for this purpose:

1. Acid-Suppressing Medications: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are frequently used to reduce stomach acid production, allowing the ulcer to heal. Examples include rabeprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, and lansoprazole.

2. Antibiotics: To eradicate H. pylori, a combination of two antibiotics is typically prescribed. Depending on individual circumstances and antibiotic resistance patterns, options may include amoxicillin, clarithromycin, levofloxacin, metronidazole or tinidazole, tetracycline, and furazolidone.

3. Bismuth-Based Preparations: Medications such as colloidal bismuth subcitrate or bismuth subsalicylate help protect the stomach lining and also have antibacterial properties against H. pylori.

This triple or quadruple therapy regimen usually lasts between 10 to 14 days and successfully eliminates H. pylori in most patients, which addresses the root cause of the ulcer. However, even after successful eradication, additional treatments are often recommended to support healing and relieve symptoms.

Supportive Treatment After Eradication: Once the infection is cleared, doctors may continue prescribing acid-suppressing medications alongside gastroprotective agents to promote the healing of damaged stomach tissue. PPIs like rabeprazole and pantoprazole remain effective choices for controlling acid levels during the healing period, which typically spans 6 to 8 weeks.

Gastroprotective Agents: These can be either exogenous, such as antacids like magnesium aluminum carbonate chewable tablets or sucralfate, or endogenous, such as teprenone and geranylgeranone, which stimulate the body's own protective mechanisms. Combining these with acid suppressors enhances mucosal healing.

It's important to note that while most stomach ulcers are benign, they do carry a small risk of becoming cancerous. Therefore, follow-up endoscopy is strongly recommended after treatment to confirm complete ulcer healing and rule out any malignant changes.