Anti-ulcer medications are those that are used to decrease stomach acidity and, thus, prevent the appearance of ulcers. In addition, they are used to heal or facilitate ulcer healing and prevent or treat any inflammation in the mucosa 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 medications are indicated by the gastroenterologist depending on the cause of acidity and ulcer, the most recommended being Omeprazole and Ranitidine.
Main antiulcer drugs
Omeprazole is one of the main drugs indicated by the gastroenterologist to treat and prevent gastric ulcers, as it works by inhibiting the proton pump, which is responsible for stomach acidity. The inhibition promoted by this medication is irreversible, having a more lasting effect in relation to other medications. This medication can also lead to the appearance of mild and reversible side effects and should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach or as directed by a doctor.
Cimetidine and famotidine are also anti-ulcer medications that can 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 drug that may be indicated by the gastroenterologist is sucralfate, which acts by creating a barrier over ulcers, protecting them from gastric acidity and promoting their healing.
It is important that these medications are indicated by the doctor according to the signs and symptoms presented by the person and used according to the guidance given.
When to take
Antiulcer drugs are recommended by the gastroenterologist in case of:
- Stomach pain, which can have several causes, including gastritis and excessive gas. See what are the main causes and how is the treatment for pain in the stomach; 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, in which there is inflammation of the stomach walls; Ulcerative gastroduodenal disease, in which there is damage to the gastric mucosa resulting from the action of enzymes and stomach acid. Reflux, in which the contents of the stomach return to 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 medication with the most appropriate mechanism of action for the situation, which may be a proton pump blocker or protectors of the gastric mucosa, for example.
