Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease

Key points

• • Peptic ulcers form when acid and the germ Helicobacter pylori overcome the stomach's natural defences, so treatment lowers acid and clears the germ.
• • Proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole block the final acid pump of the stomach cells and are the most powerful acid reducers.
• • H2-receptor blockers such as famotidine reduce acid by blocking the histamine signal that drives its secretion.
• • Antacids neutralise acid that is already made, giving quick but short relief, while sucralfate and bismuth coat and protect the base of the ulcer.
• • Clearing Helicobacter pylori uses a combination of antibiotics together with an acid blocker, which greatly reduces the return of ulcers.