Peptic Ulcers (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Peptic Ulcers Overview
- Peptic Ulcers Causes
- Peptic Ulcers Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Peptic Ulcers Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medical Treatment
- Medications
- Surgery
- Next Steps
- Follow-up
- Prevention
- Outlook
- For More Information
- Web Links
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
- Viewer Comments: Peptic Ulcers - Symptoms At Onset Of Disease
Medical Treatment
The following treatments are recommended for ulcers:
- Lifestyle changes - Quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, aspirin, and NSAIDs
- Acid-blocking medications
- Medications that protect the lining of the stomach and duodenum
- "Triple-therapy" or "dual-therapy" regimens for ulcers caused by H pylori
No single medication works to get rid of H pylori infection. Different combinations of medications have been tried. After much trial and error, 2 combinations have been found that work well in most people.
- Triple therapy: The combination of bismuth subsalicylate (for example, Pepto-Bismol) and the antibiotics tetracycline and metronidazole works in 80-95% of people and is the current standard of therapy. All are taken as pills. The bismuth subsalicylate and tetracycline have to be taken 4 times a day and the metronidazole 3 times a day. This complicated schedule is difficult for many people to follow.
- Dual therapy: This therapy was developed as a response to the complexity and side effects of triple therapy. It comprises 2 antibiotics, amoxicillin and metronidazole, both taken as pills 3 times a day. This simplified schedule is preferred by many people.
- Clarithromycin can be substituted for the 15-25% of people whose infections are resistant to metronidazole.
- Sometimes an acid pump inhibitor such as omeprazole is added or substituted for one of the antibiotics.
- These treatments usually take 2 weeks.
- Once H pylori bacteria are eradicated from a person's digestive tract, it usually will not come back. The ulcers usually heal completely and do not return.
- Researchers are studying other combinations that may work as well or better in less time, with less complicated schedules and fewer side effects.
Treatment for bleeding ulcers depends on the severity of blood loss.
- IV fluids
- Bowel rest: Bed rest and clear fluids with no food at all for a few days. This gives the ulcer a chance to start healing without being irritated.
- Nasogastric tube: Placement of a thin, flexible tube through your nose and down into your stomach. This also relieves pressure on the stomach and helps it heal.
- Urgent endoscopy or surgery, if indicated: Damaged, bleeding blood vessels can usually be repaired with an endoscope. The endoscope has a small heating device on the end that is used to cauterize a small wound.
It is important to remember that treatment may not work if the diagnosis is not correct. If your health care provider tells you that you have an ulcer, it is important to ascertain whether the ulcer is caused by infection with H pylori.
Next: Medications »
Viewer Comments & Reviews
Peptic Ulcers - Symptoms At Onset Of Disease
The symptoms of peptic ulcers can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease?
Important Safety Information
- KAPIDEX may not be right for everyone. You should not take KAPIDEX if you are allergic to KAPIDEX or any of its ingredients. Severe allergic reactions have been reported.
- Symptom relief does not rule out other serious stomach conditions.
- The most common side effects of KAPIDEX were diarrhea (4.8%), stomach pain (4.0%), nausea (2.9%), common cold (1.9%), vomiting (1.6%), and gas (1.6%). KAPIDEX and certain other medicines can affect each other. Before taking KAPIDEX, tell your doctor if you are taking ampicillin, atazanavir, digoxin, iron, ketoconazole, or tacrolimus. If you are taking KAPIDEX with warfarin, you may need to be monitored because serious risks could occur.
Uses of KAPIDEX
- Persistent heartburn two or more days a week, despite treatment and diet changes, could be acid reflux disease (ARD). Prescription KAPIDEX capsules are used in adults to treat heartburn related to ARD, to heal acid-related damage to the lining of the esophagus (called erosive esophagitis or EE), and to stop EE from coming back. Individual results may vary. Most damage (erosions) heals in 4–8 weeks.
Talk to your doctor or healthcare professional. Please see full Prescribing Information for KAPIDEX.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
KAPIDEX™ is a trademark of Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc., and is used under license by Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc.
LPD-00767
GI Disorders
Get the latest treatment options.
From WebMD
Digestive Disorders Resources
- Slideshow: Reflux Risk and Relief
- Flu or Food Poisoning? How to Tell
- Bladder Game: Can You Beat the Urge?
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Also on eMedicineHealth
Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine
Peptic Ulcer Disease »
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a common disorder that affects millions of individuals in the United States each year.

