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The same medications used for the treatment of GERD (listed below) are used when treating peptic ulcer disease. The only thing that must be determined is the cause of the ulcer. If the ulcer was caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, patients will require antibiotics for 7 to 14 days, depending on your physician. If the ulcer was caused by aspirin (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use) antibiotics are not indicated.
Although hypersecretion of acid is rare in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the most effective treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease is suppression of acid secretion by either H2 receptor antagonists (Zantac, Tagamet, Axid, and Pepcid) or proton pump inhibitors (Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium, Aciphex, and Protonix). The object of these therapies is to raise the intragastric pH above 4.0 during the periods of day that reflux is likely to occur.
Heartburn can be treated with medicine or surgery. Medicines used to treat heartburn can range from over-the-counter remedies to medicine requiring a doctor’s prescription. You must talk to your doctor to find out which treatment is right for you.
Antacids - neutralize excess stomach acid to relieve heartburn. They are also occasionally recommended to help relieve the pain of ulcers. Some antacids also contain simethicone, an ingredient that helps eliminate excess gas.
You should take antacids exactly as directed by your doctor, or according to the manufacturer’s directions. If you are using the tablets, chew them well before swallowing for faster relief.
Some antacids contain magnesium or sodium bicarbonate, ingredients that may have a laxative effect. Serious side effects can occur with an overdose or over use of antacids. Side effects include constipation, diarrhea, white or pale bowel movements, and stomach cramps.
Acid blockers - these medications relieve heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach. They are available without a prescription. Pepcid AC, Tagamet HB, Zantac 75, and Axid are examples of acid blockers. Acid blockers work by reducing the production of stomach acid. Take these medications according to the directions on the package or advised by your doctor.
Possible serious side effects that need to reported to your doctor right away include:
confusion
chest tightness
bleeding
sore throat
fever
irregular heartbeat
weakness
unusual fatigue
Other less serious side effects include:
headache, dizziness and diarrhea
(which are usually temporary
and will likely go away on their own)
These medications work better without food or at bedtime.
When combined with lifestyle changes, these over-the-counter remedies relieve symptoms in about 25 percent of heartburn sufferers. People who have more severe heartburn symptoms that are not relieved with these medications or, have been using these drugs for more than two weeks, should contact their doctor. They need medicine only obtained from a doctor’s prescription.
Acid blockers in prescription form (usually higher doses) such as Zantac, Tagamet, Pepcid, and Axid can generally relieve heartburn and treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). They also may be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) - depending on the source of your problem, your doctor can prescribe medications that more effectively block acid production. Namely, the family of medications doctors call proton pump inhibitors or PPIs for short. They include Prilosec, Prevacid, Aciphex, Protonix, Zegerid and Nexium. These are much more affective than H2 blockers and are safe in long-term use. Protonix and Prilosec are also available in generic formulations which are more economical and favoured by insurance companies. Also note that Prilosec is available over the counter now and Prevacid will be available over the counter in 2009.
They have minimal side effects (mostly diarrhea and abdominal pain). What is most important, unlike H2 blockers, are these medications work best taken 30 minutes before a meal. We usually recommend to take them before breakfast. If you do not eat breakfast, take it before supper. Studies have shown that these medications if they are taken during a meal or after a meal are only 10 percent effective
You Should Know :Dr. Bhandari specializes in digestive disease disorders. He is triple board certified in Internal Medicine, Medical Nutrition & Gastroenterology. He is a highly trained and skilled Endoscopist. |
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