The information provided here is meant to give you a general idea of what to expect from each of the medications listed below. Only the most general side effects are included, so ask your healthcare provider if you need to take any special precautions. Use each of these medications as recommended by your healthcare provider, or according to the instructions provided. If you have further questions about usage or side effects, contact your healthcare provider.

If you are diagnosed with a peptic ulcer caused by H. pylori, your healthcare provider will use a combination of medications. You’ll probably be given one or two types of antibiotics, as well as medicines that help control your stomach acid production (such as H-2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors). You might be advised to use antacids to help soothe uncomfortable symptoms.

Prescription Medications

]]>Antibiotics]]>

  • Tetracycline
  • Metronidazole (Flagyl)
  • Amoxicillin
  • Clarithromycin
  • Levaquin

]]>H-2 Blockers]]>

  • Cimetidine (Tagamet)
  • Ranitidine (Zantac)
  • Famotidine (Pepcid)
  • Nizatidine (Axid)

]]>Proton Pump Inhibitors]]>

  • Omeprazole (Prilosec)
  • Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
  • Pantoprazole (Protonix)
  • Rabeprazole (Aciphex)
  • Esomeprazole (Nexium)

]]>Sodium Sucralfate]]> (Carafate)

]]>Misoprostol]]> (Cytotec)

Over-the-Counter Medications

]]>Antacids]]>

  • Gaviscon
  • Di-Gel
  • Mylanta
  • Maalox Advanced Regular Strength
  • Tums

Prescription Medications

]]>

Antibiotics

Common names include:

Antibiotics can clear up the bacteria H. pylori . You should always take all of the prescription, even if you begin to feel better before your medicine is finished.

Tetracycline:

  • Always take with a full glass of water.
  • Don’t take tetracycline within two hours of drinking a milk product or using an antacid.
  • Be sure your healthcare provider knows if there’s any chance you may be pregnant, since tetracycline can permanently stain the baby’s developing teeth.
  • Tetracycline may make you very sensitive to sunlight, so protect your skin appropriately.

Metronidazole:

  • Take with food to avoid stomach upset.
  • Don’t drink alcohol while you’re using this medication.
  • Your urine may appear darker and you may notice a metallic taste in your mouth while you’re taking metronidazole.
  • Some people feel dizzy or lightheaded when they first start taking metronidazole. You should avoid driving, operating dangerous machinery, and participating in hazardous activities until you know how this drug will affect you.

Amoxicillin:

  • You can take this medicine on either a full or empty stomach.
  • If you are taking birth control pills, use an an additional or backup form of contraception, such as a condom.
  • Contact your healthcare provider if you develop ]]>diarrhea]]> while taking this medication.

Clarithromycin:

  • Do not take clarithromycin while you are using astemizole, cisapride, pimozide, or terfenadine. Combinations of clarithromycin and these drugs can cause heart problems. Have your doctor and pharmacist check to make sure you’re not taking any other drugs that could interact with clarithromycin.

Any type of antibiotic can cause an allergic reaction. Discontinue the drug and contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice:

  • A new skin rash
  • Hives or welts on your skin
  • Puffiness of the face or around your eyes
  • Difficulty breathing

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H-2 Blockers

Common names include:

H-2 blockers help decrease acid production in the stomach. They may be given to help with ]]>heartburn]]> , indigestion, ulcers, or other forms of excess acidity in the stomach. Some of these drugs have potential drug interactions with other medications so consult your doctor and pharmacist.

Possible side effects include:

  • Dizziness
  • Confusion (cimetidine, especially in the elderly)
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea

]]>

Proton Pump Inhibitors

Common names include:

Proton pump inhibitors decrease acid production in the stomach. They may be given to help with heartburn, indigestion, and difficulty swallowing.

Possible side effects include:

  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Increased risk of ]]>hip]]>, ]]>wrist]]>, and spine fractures in people who take proton pump inhibitors in high doses or for longer than a year

]]>

Sodium Sucralfate

Sucralfate coats your stomach and the ulcer, helping to protect it from further damage by stomach acid. This can help speed healing. It’s also useful to protect people taking NSAIDs against the development of peptic ulcers.

Do not take sucralfate within 30 minutes before or after taking antacids.

]]>

Misoprostol

Misoprostol protects the stomach lining and decreases acid production, helping peptic ulcers heal more quickly. It’s also useful to protect people taking NSAIDs against the development of peptic ulcers.

Do not take misoprostol if you are pregnant. It can cause ]]>miscarriage]]> .

Some people develop nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhea while using this medicine. These side effects usually go away within a few days. However, if they don’t go away or if they seem severe, contact your healthcare provider.

Over-the-Counter Medications

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Antacids

Common brand names include:

  • Gaviscon
  • Di-Gel
  • Mylanta
  • Maalox Advanced Regular Strength
  • Tums

Antacids work to neutralize acidity in the stomach. They’re given to improve symptoms of heartburn and indigestion.

Possible side effects include:

Special Considerations

Whenever you are taking a prescription medication, take the following precautions:

  • Take them as directed—not more, not less, not at a different time.
  • Do not stop taking them without consulting your doctor.
  • Don’t share them with anyone else.
  • Know what effects and side effects to expect, and report them to your doctor.
  • If you are taking more than one drug, even if it is over-the-counter, be sure to check with a doctor or pharmacist about drug interactions.
  • Plan ahead for refills so you don’t run out.