Remedies for gastric ulcer: what are they and when to take them

Content:

Anti-ulcer drugs are those that are used to reduce the acidity of the stomach and thus prevent the appearance of ulcers. In addition, they are used to heal or facilitate ulcer healing and to prevent or treat any inflammation in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract.

An ulcer is an open wound that forms in the stomach that can be caused by different situations, such as poor diet and bacterial infection, for example, and can cause stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. Anti-ulcer drugs are indicated by the gastroenterologist depending on the cause of acidity and ulcer, the most recommended being omeprazole and famotidine.

Main anti-ulcer drugs

Omeprazole is one of the main drugs indicated by the gastroenterologist to treat and prevent gastric ulcers, as it acts by inhibiting the proton pump, which is responsible for the acidity of the stomach. The inhibition promoted by this drug is irreversible, having a longer lasting effect compared to other drugs. This medication can also lead to mild and reversible side effects and should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach or as directed by your doctor.

Cimetidine and famotidine are also anti-ulcer drugs that may be recommended by the doctor, as they decrease stomach acidity and facilitate ulcer healing. The main side effects associated with the use of this medication are dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia and vertigo.

Another medication that the gastroenterologist may recommend is sucralfate, which works by creating a barrier over ulcers, protecting them from gastric acidity and promoting healing.

It is important that these medication prescribed by the doctor according to the signs and symptoms presented by the person and used according to the guidance given.

when to take

Anti-ulcer drugs are recommended by the gastroenterologist in case of:

  • Stomach pain, which can have many causes, including gastritis and excess gas. See what are the main causes and how the treatment for stomach pain is done;
  • Ulcer, which is formed when there is some change in the mechanism of protection of the stomach against gastric acidity. Understand how the ulcer forms;
  • Gastritis, where there is inflammation of the stomach walls;
  • Ulcerative gastroduodenal disease, in which there is damage to the gastric mucosa due to the action of enzymes and stomach acid.
  • Reflux, in which stomach contents back up into the esophagus, causing pain and inflammation;
  • Duodenal ulcer, which is the ulcer in the duodenum, which is the upper portion of the small intestine;
  • Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, which is characterized by a burning sensation or pain in the throat, weight loss with no apparent cause, and excessive weakness.

Depending on the symptoms, the doctor indicates the drug with the most appropriate mechanism of action for the situation, which may be a proton pump blocker or gastric mucosa protectors, for example.