Nonprescription Medicines for Peptic Ulcers

Topic Overview

Take antacids or acid reducers to relieve your symptoms of peptic ulcer.

  • Antacids (such as Tums, Maalox, or Mylanta) reduce the amount of acid in your stomach.
  • Acid reducers (such as Pepcid or Prilosec) reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces.

Reducing the amount of acid in your stomach helps your ulcer heal.

If you are taking one of these medicines to help your symptoms for more than 10 to 14 days at a time, or if your symptoms are very bad, call your doctor.

If you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before choosing an antacid. Some antacids have a high salt (sodium) content.

Related Information

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerJerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology
Last RevisedJanuary 4, 2012
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: January 4, 2012
Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology

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