Here are the basics about each of the medicines below. Only common problems with them are listed.
People who have peptic ulcer disease caused by H. pylori infection may need more than 1 medicine.
Common names are:
Antibiotics can clear the bacterial infection.
Problems may be:
Common names are:
H-2 blockers help decrease stomach acids. They may be given to help with heartburn and indigestion. Some of these drugs have potential drug interactions with other medicines, so consult your doctor and pharmacist.
Problems may be:
Common names are:
Proton pump inhibitors decrease stomach acid. They may be given to help with heartburn, indigestion, and problems swallowing.
Problems may be:
Sucralfate coats the stomach and the ulcer. It helps protect it from more damage from stomach acid. This can help speed healing.
Misoprostol protects the stomach lining and decreases acid production. This helps peptic ulcers heal more quickly.
Misoprostol should not be taken by women who are pregnant. It can cause a miscarriage.
Problems may be:
Common names are:
Antacids work to lower stomach acid. They can help treat heartburn and indigestion.
Problems may be:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will need to be stopped during treatment. These can raise the risk of ulcers and slow healing.
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). Dyspepsia and gastro-esophageal reflux disease: Investigation and management of dyspepsia, symptoms suggestive of gastro-esophageal reflux disease, or both. NICE 2014 Sep:CG184.
Peptic ulcer disease. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/peptic-ulcer-disease. Updated April 2, 2018. Accessed February 3, 2020.
Peptic ulcer disease. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at:
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Updated January 2020. Accessed February 3, 2020.
Peptic ulcers (stomach ulcers). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/peptic-ulcers-stomach-ulcers/all-content. Updated November 2014. Accessed February 3, 2020.
Last reviewed November 2019 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
Last Updated: 2/9/2021