Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsOTCPrescriptionLifestyleSurgeriesCAMFrequently Asked QuestionsNext in Peptic Ulcer Disease GuideCoping With Peptic Ulcer Disease
Table of ContentsView All
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Table of Contents
OTC
Prescription
Lifestyle
Surgeries
CAM
Frequently Asked Questions
Next in Peptic Ulcer Disease Guide
Peptic ulcer diseasetreatment focuses on reducing acid production that leads to peptic sores and lesions, healing damage to the lining of the stomach or duodenum (the first part of thesmall intestine), and tempering symptoms like pain, gas, and others.
Some cases are cured, while others may recur after treatment.
This article details each of these and other peptic ulcer treatment options, as well as when cases are too serious to benefit from them, instead requiring surgery.
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Over-the-Counter (OTC) Therapies
For many people, the first line of peptic ulcer treatment is OTC medication to relieve symptoms. Two common non-prescription medications are:
Prescription Medications
There are a few different types of medications your healthcare provider might prescribe.
Antibiotics
IfH. pyloriis found in your digestive tract (your healthcare provider can test for it), you may be prescribed a short-term course of antibiotics, usually a two-week treatment. Antibiotics are used to kill the bacterium and may vary depending on the current antibiotic resistance rate in your area.
Common antibiotics used to treat peptic ulcers include:
Side effects of antibiotics are typically mild and may include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, bloating, indigestion, and loss of appetite.
H2-Blockers
Most healthcare providers treat ulcers (stomach or duodenal) with these acid-suppressing drugs.
Examples include:
For the first few days of treatment, healthcare providers often recommend also taking an antacid to relieve pain. The treatment initially lasts six to eight weeks.
Zantac Recall and Product Substitute
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
Prilosec (omeprazole) has been used for short-term treatment of ulcer disease. Similar drugs may also be used, including Konvomep (omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate) and Prevacid (lansoprazole).
Mucosal Protective Medications
Mucosal protective medications protect the stomach’s mucus lining from acid, but these protective medications do not inhibit the release of stomach acid. Instead, they shield the stomach’s mucus lining from the damage of the acid.
Two commonly prescribed protective agents are:
Anticholinergics
Anticholinergics such as Gastrozepin (pirenzepine) and glycopyrrolate may be used as an adjunct treatment for peptic ulcers to prevent spasms in the muscles of the gut and bladder while reducing the excess production of stomach acid.
Combination Medications
In May 2022, the FDA approved two treatments for H. pylori infection in adults:
Vonoprazan is a potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB), and amoxicillin and clarithromycin are antibiotics used to kill the bacterium.
Lifestyle Modifications
While medication is likely necessary to heal peptic ulcers, there are a few things you can do at home to help relieve symptoms and help to speed healing.
How to Relieve Stomach Ulcer Pain at Night
Reduce Stress
Research shows people who are under stress are more likely to develop peptic ulcers.In fact, a2016 studypublished in the journalBMC Gastroenterologytracked 17,525 residents of a community in Denmark and found that people with the highest level of perceived everyday life stress were at greater risk for peptic ulcers.
Learning to manage your stress in healthier ways can help to reduce uncomfortable peptic ulcer symptoms and help your body heal. Mind-body exercises, such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, tai chi, or massage are tools that can help to reduce your stress.
Some people also find that working one-on-one with a therapist can help them to learn better coping mechanisms to alleviate anxieties, worries, and negative thinking, helping ulcers to heal.
Quit Smoking
Smoking has been shown to delay ulcer healing and has been linked to ulcer recurrence. Therefore, if you smoke, you should try to quit.
Avoid Alcohol
Drinking alcohol can inhibit ulcer healing and exacerbate symptoms. That’s because alcohol increases the production of stomach acid, which will irritate an ulcer. Alcohol also relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing stomach contents to reflux back up into the esophagus.
If you still want to consume alcohol, ask your healthcare provider about how and when to do so when you suffer from heartburn.
Changing Your Diet
In the past, healthcare providers advised people with peptic ulcers to avoid spicy, fatty, and acidic foods. However, since the discovery thatH. pyloriis the underlying cause of ulcers and the advent of effective medications to treat infection, a bland diet is no longer recommended. (It won’t cause harm, but it likely won’t help either.)
Some people who have peptic ulcers can eat whatever they want with no problems. For many others, however, eating certain foods can cause irritation, excessive acid production, andheartburn. Some common foods that exacerbate ulcer symptoms are coffee,milk, alcoholic beverages, and fried foods.
Eating foods rich in flavonoids or polyphenols may also have protective effects. These foods include olive oil, grapes, dark cherries, and a wide range of berries. Some research suggests that banana is good for ulcer healing, too.
Foods and Drinks to Avoid With an Ulcer (and What to Have Instead)
Many times, peptic ulcers can be successfully treated with medication. In some cases, however, ulcers can be severe and cause internal bleeding requiring surgery.
Surgical procedures for ulcers include:
Stomach Ulcer Surgery: Everything You Need to Know
Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM)
There is limited evidence to support the use of home remedies,supplements, herbs, homeopathy, and other complementary medicine methods to treat peptic ulcers and relieve symptoms.
The following supplements may be effective, but speak with your healthcare provider before incorporating them into your treatment plan.
Probiotics
While encouraging, the ideal strains, dosage, and treatment duration have not been determined and more research is needed.
Cranberry Extract
Supplementing with cranberry extract may also help to resolve peptic ulcers and eliminateH. pyloriinfections, due to polyphenols found in the fruit. However, studies are needed to confirm cranberry can help treat peptic ulcers disease.
Cranberry may interfere with certain medications, including warfarin. If you are taking any medications, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking cranberry.
A Word From Verywell
Living with a peptic ulcer can be uncomfortable, but there are things you can do to relieve symptoms and heal. If you think you may have an ulcer, speak to your healthcare provider. With the right treatment plan, reduced stress, and lifestyle modifications, you should be on your way to healing soon.
Frequently Asked QuestionsIt varies depending on the individual, but it can take up to eight weeks with treatment. The ulcer likely will not heal without treatment.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and Advil (ibuprofen) can sometimescause peptic ulcers, so they should be avoided. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is thought to be a safe pain reliever as it is not in this drug class.Yes, but with a modified approach. Antacids are safe for short-term use in pregnancy, but products with sodium bicarbonate should be avoided. Most H2 blockers (except nizatidine) and proton pump inhibitors are safe too.Pregnant people are less likely to have ulcer-related procedures, like endoscopy.
It varies depending on the individual, but it can take up to eight weeks with treatment. The ulcer likely will not heal without treatment.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and Advil (ibuprofen) can sometimescause peptic ulcers, so they should be avoided. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is thought to be a safe pain reliever as it is not in this drug class.
Yes, but with a modified approach. Antacids are safe for short-term use in pregnancy, but products with sodium bicarbonate should be avoided. Most H2 blockers (except nizatidine) and proton pump inhibitors are safe too.Pregnant people are less likely to have ulcer-related procedures, like endoscopy.
Coping With Peptic Ulcer Disease
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Food and Drug Administration.FDA Requests Removal of All Ranitidine Products (Zantac) from the Market.Safavi M, Sabourian R, Foroumadi A.Treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection: Current and future insights.World J Clin Cases.2016 Jan 16;4(1):5-19. doi:10.12998/wjcc.v4.i1.5Food and Drug Administration.Dartisla ODT label.Deding U, Ejlskov L, Grabas MP, et al.Perceived stress as a risk factor for peptic ulcers: a register-based cohort study.BMC Gastroenterol. 2016;16(1):140. doi:10.1186/s12876-016-0554-9Apostolopoulos V, Antonipillai J, Tangalakis K, Ashton JF, Stojanovska L.Let’s Go Bananas! Gren Bananas and their Health Benefits.Pril (Makedon Akad Nauk Umet Odd Med Nauki). 2017 Sep 1;38(2):147-151. doi:10.1515/prilozi-2017-0033.Boltin D.Probiotics in Helicobacter pylori-induced peptic ulcer disease.Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2016;30(1):99-109. doi:10.1016/j.bpg.2015.12.003.Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth.Peptic ulcers.American College of Gastroenterology.Peptic ulcer disease.Garg V, Narang P, Taneja R.Antacids revisited: review on contemporary facts and relevance for self-management.J Int Med Res. 2022 Mar;50(3):3000605221086457. doi:10.1177/03000605221086457.Rosen C, Czuzoj-Shulman N, Mishkin DS, Abenhaim HA.Management and outcomes of peptic ulcer disease in pregnancy.J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2021 May;34(9):1368-1374. doi:10.1080/14767058.2019.1637410.Additional ReadingPenn State Hershey Health Information Library.Peptic Ulcer.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Food and Drug Administration.FDA Requests Removal of All Ranitidine Products (Zantac) from the Market.Safavi M, Sabourian R, Foroumadi A.Treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection: Current and future insights.World J Clin Cases.2016 Jan 16;4(1):5-19. doi:10.12998/wjcc.v4.i1.5Food and Drug Administration.Dartisla ODT label.Deding U, Ejlskov L, Grabas MP, et al.Perceived stress as a risk factor for peptic ulcers: a register-based cohort study.BMC Gastroenterol. 2016;16(1):140. doi:10.1186/s12876-016-0554-9Apostolopoulos V, Antonipillai J, Tangalakis K, Ashton JF, Stojanovska L.Let’s Go Bananas! Gren Bananas and their Health Benefits.Pril (Makedon Akad Nauk Umet Odd Med Nauki). 2017 Sep 1;38(2):147-151. doi:10.1515/prilozi-2017-0033.Boltin D.Probiotics in Helicobacter pylori-induced peptic ulcer disease.Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2016;30(1):99-109. doi:10.1016/j.bpg.2015.12.003.Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth.Peptic ulcers.American College of Gastroenterology.Peptic ulcer disease.Garg V, Narang P, Taneja R.Antacids revisited: review on contemporary facts and relevance for self-management.J Int Med Res. 2022 Mar;50(3):3000605221086457. doi:10.1177/03000605221086457.Rosen C, Czuzoj-Shulman N, Mishkin DS, Abenhaim HA.Management and outcomes of peptic ulcer disease in pregnancy.J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2021 May;34(9):1368-1374. doi:10.1080/14767058.2019.1637410.Additional ReadingPenn State Hershey Health Information Library.Peptic Ulcer.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Food and Drug Administration.FDA Requests Removal of All Ranitidine Products (Zantac) from the Market.Safavi M, Sabourian R, Foroumadi A.Treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection: Current and future insights.World J Clin Cases.2016 Jan 16;4(1):5-19. doi:10.12998/wjcc.v4.i1.5Food and Drug Administration.Dartisla ODT label.Deding U, Ejlskov L, Grabas MP, et al.Perceived stress as a risk factor for peptic ulcers: a register-based cohort study.BMC Gastroenterol. 2016;16(1):140. doi:10.1186/s12876-016-0554-9Apostolopoulos V, Antonipillai J, Tangalakis K, Ashton JF, Stojanovska L.Let’s Go Bananas! Gren Bananas and their Health Benefits.Pril (Makedon Akad Nauk Umet Odd Med Nauki). 2017 Sep 1;38(2):147-151. doi:10.1515/prilozi-2017-0033.Boltin D.Probiotics in Helicobacter pylori-induced peptic ulcer disease.Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2016;30(1):99-109. doi:10.1016/j.bpg.2015.12.003.Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth.Peptic ulcers.American College of Gastroenterology.Peptic ulcer disease.Garg V, Narang P, Taneja R.Antacids revisited: review on contemporary facts and relevance for self-management.J Int Med Res. 2022 Mar;50(3):3000605221086457. doi:10.1177/03000605221086457.Rosen C, Czuzoj-Shulman N, Mishkin DS, Abenhaim HA.Management and outcomes of peptic ulcer disease in pregnancy.J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2021 May;34(9):1368-1374. doi:10.1080/14767058.2019.1637410.
Food and Drug Administration.FDA Requests Removal of All Ranitidine Products (Zantac) from the Market.
Safavi M, Sabourian R, Foroumadi A.Treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection: Current and future insights.World J Clin Cases.2016 Jan 16;4(1):5-19. doi:10.12998/wjcc.v4.i1.5
Food and Drug Administration.Dartisla ODT label.
Deding U, Ejlskov L, Grabas MP, et al.Perceived stress as a risk factor for peptic ulcers: a register-based cohort study.BMC Gastroenterol. 2016;16(1):140. doi:10.1186/s12876-016-0554-9
Apostolopoulos V, Antonipillai J, Tangalakis K, Ashton JF, Stojanovska L.Let’s Go Bananas! Gren Bananas and their Health Benefits.Pril (Makedon Akad Nauk Umet Odd Med Nauki). 2017 Sep 1;38(2):147-151. doi:10.1515/prilozi-2017-0033.
Boltin D.Probiotics in Helicobacter pylori-induced peptic ulcer disease.Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2016;30(1):99-109. doi:10.1016/j.bpg.2015.12.003.
Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth.Peptic ulcers.
American College of Gastroenterology.Peptic ulcer disease.
Garg V, Narang P, Taneja R.Antacids revisited: review on contemporary facts and relevance for self-management.J Int Med Res. 2022 Mar;50(3):3000605221086457. doi:10.1177/03000605221086457.
Rosen C, Czuzoj-Shulman N, Mishkin DS, Abenhaim HA.Management and outcomes of peptic ulcer disease in pregnancy.J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2021 May;34(9):1368-1374. doi:10.1080/14767058.2019.1637410.
Penn State Hershey Health Information Library.Peptic Ulcer.
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