What medications are used to treat duodenal ulcers?
Disease description:
I am 27 years old this year. Recently, I don't know why, but I have been experiencing frequent stomach pain. After visiting the hospital for an examination, my doctor diagnosed me with duodenal ulcer. May I ask, what medications should I take for a duodenal ulcer?
Duodenal ulcers are commonly caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Treatment generally involves the following aspects:
1. **Antibacterial therapy**: If Helicobacter pylori infection is detected, doctors will recommend a combination therapy regimen including a proton pump inhibitor (such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, etc.) and two antibiotics (such as amoxicillin, clarithromycin, or metronidazole) to eradicate Helicobacter pylori.
2. **Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)**: As mentioned above, these medications reduce gastric acid secretion and help ulcer healing, for example, omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, etc.
3. **H2 receptor antagonists**: Such as ranitidine and famotidine, which also reduce gastric acid production, but are slightly less effective than proton pump inhibitors.
4. **Gastric mucosal protectants**: Such as bismuth preparations (e.g., DeNuo) and certain traditional Chinese medicines, which help protect the gastric mucosa and accelerate ulcer healing.
Please be sure to take medications according to the doctor's instructions. Do not adjust the dosage or stop taking the medication by yourself to prevent ulcer recurrence or occurrence of complications. If you experience any discomfort, contact your doctor immediately.