Treatment often involves using a combination of medications. By using more than one kind of medication, multiple factors can be addressed: killing the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, reducing acid levels, and providing protection to the duodenum. This combination strategy often provides the best chance of allowing the ulcers to heal and reducing the chance that the ulcers will come back. However, it is important for patients to take all of the medications exactly as prescribed.
The medications may include:
- antibiotics to kill Helicobacter pylori
- acid blockers (e.g., cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine)
- proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole)
- medications that protect the tissue lining (e.g., sucralfate)
- bismuth (may help protect the lining and kill the bacteria)
Long-term therapy may be required.
Self-help measures can help -- avoid smoking; avoid tea, coffee, alcohol, and caffeine containing soft drinks; and avoid aspirin. In addition, eat several small meals a day at regular intervals.
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