What medicine should I take for sudden stomach pain?
Generally, sudden stomach pain requires selecting appropriate medication based on the specific underlying cause. Common causes include improper diet, indigestion, gastritis, acute gastroenteritis, and gastric ulcers.
1. Improper Diet
Consuming excessively spicy or irritating foods such as chili peppers, garlic, and onions may irritate the gastric mucosa, leading to sudden stomach pain. It is recommended to improve unhealthy eating habits to help alleviate symptoms.
2. Indigestion
Indigestion can cause excessive food accumulation in the stomach, resulting in gastric wall distension and symptoms such as stomach pain and bloating. Under a doctor's guidance, prokinetic medications may be used to enhance digestive function and relieve symptoms. Commonly used drugs include metoclopramide tablets, domperidone tablets, and itopride hydrochloride tablets.
3. Gastritis
Incorrect eating habits, long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or Helicobacter pylori infection may irritate the gastric mucosa, causing inflammation or ulcers, leading to conditions such as gastritis. Symptoms include stomach pain, abdominal bloating, and loss of appetite. As directed by a physician, medications such as hydrotalcite chewable tablets, sucralfate tablets, and potassium citrate bismuth capsules may be taken to strengthen the gastric mucosal barrier and improve symptoms.
4. Acute Gastroenteritis
Consumption of contaminated food or drink may allow pathogens to enter the gastrointestinal tract, causing acute gastroenteritis. When severe stomach pain occurs, antibiotics may be used under medical supervision to eliminate or inhibit bacterial growth and improve symptoms. Commonly prescribed medications include cefixime capsules, amoxicillin capsules, and levofloxacin capsules.
5. Gastric Ulcer
Gastric ulcers may allow stomach acid to irritate the gastric mucosa, causing symptoms such as stomach pain and acid reflux. It is recommended to follow medical advice and take medications that suppress gastric acid secretion. Commonly used drugs include omeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, and ranitidine hydrochloride capsules.
Prompt medical consultation is advised to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment under a doctor’s supervision, avoiding self-medication that could lead to adverse drug reactions. During treatment, maintain a light diet and avoid irritating foods to promote symptom relief.