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What Can You Take For Ulcers Over The Counter

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What Drinks Help Ulcers

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For most medical conditions, the best drink is water. For an ulcer, other types of drinks, such as dairy and juice, can increase acid production in the stomach. Some drinks, such as orange juice, are acidic, so youre just pouring gas on the fire. Plain and simple, water not only doesnt irritate the stomach or increase stomach acid, but it can also dilute and weaken the acid in the stomach.

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Surgery And Other Procedures

If bleeding from an ulcer does not stop with medication and supportive care , a physician called a gastroenterologist will perform an endoscopy. He first identifies the ulcer and the area that is bleeding, then injects medications to stop the bleeding and stimulate the formation of a blood clot. If the bleeding recurs or you have a perforated ulcer or an obstruction, surgery may be required. About 30% of people who come to the hospital with a bleeding ulcer need endoscopy or surgery.

If You Suffer From Ulcers Here’s The Life

Ulcers can react badly to over-the-counter medicine and could prove fatal. Here’s all the information you need to know.

If you have an ulcer, you need to avoid any foods or medicines that will make your condition worse Before you reach for the painkillers next time you are in pain, make sure you read this first.

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Painkillers work by blocking the effects of these pain chemicals. The problem is that you can’t focus most pain relievers specifically on your headache or bad back. Instead, it travels through your whole body. This can cause some unexpected side effects.

The same chemicals that amplify pain, which some pain medicines block, also help maintain the protective lining of the stomach and intestines. When a painkiller stops these chemicals from working, the digestive tract becomes more vulnerable to damage from gastric acids.

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Duration Of Peptic Ulcers

Ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori heal when the bacteria is killed. The typical course of treatment includes two weeks of antibiotics along with acid-suppressing medicine. This is followed by an additional four to eight weeks of the acid-suppressing medicine alone.

Its possible for an ulcer to heal temporarily without antibiotics, but it will likely recur or another one will form nearby if the bacteria is not killed.

Peptic ulcers caused by medication usually heal shortly after you stop taking the medication. Doctors typically recommend taking antacids for two to six weeks to assist with healing and relieve pain.

What Tests Will Be Done To Diagnose A Peptic Ulcer

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Endoscopy. An upper endoscopy exam is expedient because allows healthcare providers to see inside your digestive tract and also take a tissue sample to analyze in the lab. The test is done by passing a thin tube with a tiny camera attached down your throat and into your stomach and duodenum. Youll have medication to numb your throat and help you relax during the test. Your healthcare provider may use the endoscope to take a tissue sample to test for signs of mucous damage, anemia, H. pyloriinfection or malignancy. If they take a sample, you wont feel it.

Imaging tests. Imaging tests to look inside the stomach and small intestine include:

  • Upper GI series. An upper GI X-ray exam examines the stomach and duodenum through X-rays. Its less invasive than an endoscopy. For the X-ray, youll swallow a chalky fluid called barium, which will coat your esophagus, stomach and duodenum. The barium helps your digestive organs show up better in black and white images.
  • CT scan. Your healthcare provider might recommend a CT scan if they need to see your organs in more detail. A CT scan can show complications such as a perforation in the stomach or intestinal wall. For the test, youll lie on a table inside a scanner machine while X-rays are taken. You may drink or have an injection with contrast fluid to make your organs show up better in images.

Tests for H. pylori. Your healthcare provider might want to test you separately for H. pylori infection. Tests may include:

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Peptic Ulcer Healing Drugs

1.AntibioticsFor ulcers caused by H. pylori infection, you will be asked to take two or three antibiotics together with a PPI. There is good evidence that such eradication therapy has benefits both in healing ulcers and preventing recurrence, especially for duodenal ulcer. Commonly used antibiotics are amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole and tetracycline. They are prescription-only medicines and are available in many dosage forms such as tablets and capsules.

2.Proton pump inhibitors PPIs directly suppress gastric acid production by blocking the proton pumps of the gastric parietal cell that is responsible for acid secretion, and thereby promoting the ulcer healing. Their effect on suppressing gastric acid production is stronger than that of Histamine-2 receptor antagonists. These include the pharmacy only medicine omeprazole, and the pharmacy only medicines lansoprazole, rabeprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole and aripiprazole. They are available in various dosage forms such as tablets, capsules and injections.

3.Histamine-2 receptor antagonistsHistamine-2 receptor antagonists suppress the secretion of gastric acid by blocking the actions of histamine, a protein produced by the body that stimulates gastric acid secretion. Examples include cimetidine, famotidine and ranitidine. They are over-the-counter medicines and are available in forms of tablets, capsules, syrups or injections.

Otc Medication For Stomach Ulcers

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  • Stanley Scheindlin
  • Stanley Scheindlin, DSc, RPh, holds graduate degrees in pharmaceutical chemistry and worked in drug product development and regulatory affairs. Now retired, he is a part-time consultant and writes freelance articles for pharmacy-related specialty publications.
  • The drug treatment of peptic ulcer in the 20th century has a most intriguing history. During the first three-quarters of that century, numerous medications were used whose development was based on physiology studies performed in the 1820s, and these ulcer therapies typically acted locally in the stomach. The final quarter of the 20th century saw a true paradigm shift: elucidation of cell receptors and biochemistry of the stomach guided the development of two classes of highly effective, systemic-acting agents. At the same time, an unexpected microbial etiology was proposed, shaking up the prevailing sense of certainty about the origin of peptic ulcers, and introducing still another class of therapeutic agents.

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    What Is An Ulcer

    Ulcers are open sores on the inner lining of the lower esophagus, stomach, or the upper portion of the small intestine. They are often painful, particularly after eating, and can bleed into the stomach or intestines.

    Ulcers are identified by the location of the sore:

    • Esophageal ulcers occur on the lower part of the esophagus, the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach.
    • Gastric ulcers form in the stomach lining.
    • Duodenal ulcers form in the lining of the small intestine near the stomach called the duodenum.

    Esophageal, gastric, and duodenal ulcers are collectively called peptic ulcers or peptic ulcer disease . They are closely related both in causes and treatments. Compared to gastric and duodenal ulcers, esophageal ulcers may arise from different causes and require different treatments in some cases.

    Peptic ulcers are due to an erosion of the defenses the stomach or intestinal tissues use to protect themselves against harmful stomach acid. When these defenses are compromised, the acid can eat away at the lining of the stomach or duodenum, causing sores.

    Lifestyle factors, such as eating spicy foods or stress, are no longer considered risk factors for developing peptic or esophageal ulcers, but they may worsen ulcer symptoms.

    Peptic ulcer disease is very common. Anywhere from 5% to 10% of the population will develop a peptic ulcer at some time during their lives. About 2% to 7% will experience an esophageal ulcer in their lifetime, mostly due to GERD.

    Famotidine May Cause Side Effects Tell Your Doctor If Any Of These Symptoms Are Severe Or Do Not Go Away:

    Ulcers Caused By NSAIDs
    • swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
    • difficulty breathing or swallowing

    Famotidine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

    If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administrations MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone .

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    What Is A Stomach Ulcer

    A stomach ulcer, also called a gastric ulcer, is an open sore that develops in your stomach lining. You can also get one in your duodenum, the first part of the small intestine that your stomach feeds into. Duodenal ulcers and stomach ulcers are both types of peptic ulcers. Theyre named for pepsin, one of the digestive juices that are found in the stomach and that sometimes leak into the duodenum. These juices are a contributing factor in peptic ulcer disease.

    Peptic ulcers occur when the protective mucous lining in your stomach and duodenum has been eroded, allowing gastric acids and digestive enzymes to eat away at your stomach and duodenal walls. This eventually results in open sores that are continually irritated by the acid. If left untreated, they can begin to cause serious complications, such as internal bleeding. Over time, they can even wear a hole all the way through. This is a medical emergency.

    Is There A Peptic Ulcer Diet Plan

    No particular diet is helpful for people with peptic ulcers. At one time, a bland diet and avoidance of spicy or greasy foods was recommended. Milk and dairy food have been used in the past for ulcer symptoms, but have not been proven to be effective. We now know diet has little effect on ulcers. In some people, however, certain foods seem to aggravate stomach ulcer symptoms. Keep a food diary with your intake and the resulting symptoms and avoid eating any foods that aggravate symptoms.

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    What Other Drugs Interact With Famotidine

    If your doctor has directed you to use this NSAID, your medical doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist first for more health information.

    Famotidine has no known severe interactions with any drugs.

    Serious Interactions of Famotidine include:

    • See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Famotidine?

    Long-Term Effects

    • Increased risk of GI ulcers with prolonged use.
    • See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Famotidine?

    Cautions

    Pregnancy and Lactation

    • Famotidine use in pregnancy may be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies are not available, or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies were done and showed no risk
    • Famotidine enters breast milk use is not recommended when lactating

    How Common Are Stomach Ulcers

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    Stomach ulcers are very common in Western countries. In the United States, there are about 4 million cases per year. Some estimates say that 1 in 10 people will have one at some point in their lives. Thats because many of the causes that contribute to stomach ulcers are common in Western life. Fortunately, these causes are usually easy to trace and to reverse, giving ulcers a chance to heal and your stomach lining a chance to repair.

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    Available By Prescription Or Over

    • Antacids that neutralize stomach acid. Your doctor may include an antacid in your drug regimen. Antacids neutralize existing stomach acid and can provide rapid pain relief. Side effects can include constipation or diarrhea, depending on the main ingredients.
    • Antacids can provide symptom relief, but generally aren’t used to heal your ulcer.
    • Medications that protect the lining of your stomach and small intestine. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medications called cytoprotective agents that help protect the tissues that line your stomach and small intestine.
    • Options include the prescription medications sucralfate and misoprostol .

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    Diagnosis Of A Stomach Ulcer

    Diagnosing a stomach ulcer is done using a range of methods, including:

    • Endoscopy a thin flexible tube is threaded down the oesophagus into the stomach under light anaesthesia. The endoscope is fitted with a small camera so the physician can see if there is an ulcer.
    • Barium meal a chalky liquid is drunk and an x-ray is performed, showing the stomach lining. These tests are less common nowadays, but may be useful where endoscopy is unavailable.
    • Biopsy a small tissue sample is taken during an endoscopy and tested in a laboratory. This biopsy should always be done if a gastric ulcer is found.
    • C14 breath test this checks for the presence of H. pylori. The bacteria convert urea into carbon dioxide. The test involves swallowing an amount of radioactive carbon and testing the air exhaled from the lungs. A non-radioactive test can be used for children and pregnant women.

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    When Should I Call My Healthcare Provider

    See your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms:

    • Vomiting blood or dark material that looks like coffee grounds
    • Extreme weakness or dizziness
    • Nausea or vomiting that doesnt get better, or gets worse
    • A sudden, severe pain that may spread to your back
    • Losing weight without even trying

    Untreated peptic ulcers may cause other health problems. Sometimes they bleed. If they become too deep, they can break through your stomach.

    Ulcers can also keep food from going through your stomach.

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    Advice On Taking Nsaids

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    If your stomach ulcer has been caused by taking NSAIDs, your GP will want to review your use of them.

    You may be advised to use an alternative painkiller not associated with stomach ulcers, such as paracetamol.

    Sometimes an alternative type of NSAID that’s less likely to cause stomach ulcers, called a COX-2 inhibitor, may be recommended.

    If you’re taking low-dose aspirin to reduce your risk of embolism , your GP will tell you whether you need to continue taking it.

    If you do need to keep taking it, long-term treatment with a PPI or H2-receptor antagonist may be prescribed alongside the aspirin to try to prevent further ulcers.

    It’s important to understand the potential risks associated with continued NSAID use.

    You’re more likely to develop another stomach ulcer and could experience a serious complication, such as internal bleeding.

    Page last reviewed: 14 January 2022 Next review due: 14 January 2025

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    What Are The Common Side Effects Of Ulcer Medication

    All medications may produce side effects, and side effects will vary depending on the type of medication. This is not a complete list of possible side effects, so consult with a healthcare professional about any concerns or questions you may have regarding your specific situation.

    Proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers are relatively safe medications available in prescription and over-the-counter formulations. The most commonly experienced side effects are digestive system problems such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. H2 blockers can also affect the central nervous system, so headaches, drowsiness, and dizziness are often experienced.

    Proton pump inhibitors can reduce the absorption of calcium in the body, which can lead to an increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. Patients will often be prescribed or recommended calcium supplements to take along with proton pump inhibitors. Other serious side effects of proton pump inhibitors may include kidney disease, vitamin B12 deficiency, and diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile infection.

    The most serious side effects of H2 blockers are related to their effects on the central nervous system. These side effects may include delirium, hallucinations, extreme drowsiness, and slurred speech.

    What About Diet And Stress

    The idea that ulcers can be caused by taking over-the-counter pain relievers may come as a surprise to people who have long believed that diet and stress are major factors.

    Dingell, a self-described junk food queen and Diet Coke addict, who typically drinks 10 to 12 bottles a day, said she anticipated being told by her doctors that she would need to make changes to her diet. But, experts said, the belief that certain foods and carbonated or acidic beverages can cause or worsen ulcers is a common misconception.

    Either of those can cause abdominal pain for different reasons, Stevoff said. A lot of times, people equate their abdominal pain with having an ulcer.

    Your gastrointestinal tract only has a limited amount of ways to express its displeasure, Staller said, such as nausea, vomiting, a sour stomach or indigestion, pain and bowel symptoms. It can be challenging for laypeople and doctors to determine whats causing symptoms, and its common to confuse another gastrointestinal malady, such as indigestion, with ulcers, he said. The vast majority of patients with indigestion that Staller performs endoscopies on dont have an ulcer when we look, he added.

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    Key Points About Stomach And Duodenal Ulcers In Children

    • Stomach and duodenal ulcers are open sores. They happen in the lining of the stomach or the duodenum.

    • Most ulcers are caused by an infection with Helicobacter pylori.

    • Treatment often includes antibiotics and medicines to block stomach acid production.

    • Without proper treatment, people with ulcers may have serious complications. But most people are cured with treatment.

    How Are Peptic Ulcers Treated

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    Peptic ulcers are treated with medicine that stops your stomach from making acid. If you have HP infection, you will need to take antibiotics and acid-reducing tablets for one to two weeks.

    If you smoke, quitting will help your ulcers heal and will help stop them from coming back. If you are taking a medicine that may cause ulcers, your doctor can suggest a different one.

    You should start to feel better within a few days or weeks of starting the medicine. Some people need to take medicines for four to eight weeks or longer. Tell your doctor if you still have symptoms, you lose weight, the pain gets worse, you see blood in your vomit, or you have black, tarry stools.

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