Ulcer drugs

Definition

An ulcer is defined as a well localized lesion involving the mucosa of the digestive system, exposed to the action of acidic juices secreted by the stomach. The gastric ulcer develops at the level of the stomach, the duodenal ulcer in the upper part of the small intestine, while the esophageal ulcer affects the lower part of the esophagus.

Ulcer Causes

Helicobacter pylori is certainly one of the major causes of ulcers; other causes include: incorrect eating habits, alcoholism, prolonged intake of some drugs (NSAIDs and cortisone drugs), bacterial infections, circulatory problems, stress and hormonal changes.

The imbalance of the defense mechanisms (mucus, bicarbonate and blood flow) to the advantage of aggressive forces (excessive production of hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes) generates the ulcer

Symptoms

Among the symptoms most frequently associated with gastric ulcer, heartburn is certainly the most common; however, a variety of prodromes may accompany the disorder. Remember: aerophagia, iron deficiency anemia, diarrhea, weight loss, dysphagia, eructation, nausea, loss of appetite, pallor, blood in the stool (of tarry consistency) and vomiting.

Natural Care

Diet and Nutrition

Information on ulcers - drugs to cure ulcers are not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Ulcer - Medications to Cure Ulcer.

drugs

Drugs should be used both for healing ulcers (and related injuries) and for preventing recurrences. More classes of drugs are useful for treating the disease:

Histamine, by binding to H2 receptors, stimulates the proton pump by activating the adenylate cyclase. The drug, by blocking this histamine stimulus on the proton pump, prevents the formation of HCl

• Nizatidine: ex. Nizax, Cronizat, Zanizal: is a drug that acts selectively at the level of H2 histaminergic receptors. It is recommended to administer one tablet (300 mg) or two tablets (150 mg) twice a day for 1-2 months. Indicated, in particular, for ulcer associated with NSAIDs.
• Cimetidine: ex. Ulis, Biomag, Tagamet: we recommend oral administration of the drug, one tablet (400 mg) 4 times a day for 4-8 weeks. It is also possible to administer the drug intramuscularly (200 mg every 4-6 hours) or slow intravenous (200-400 mg in at least 5 minutes, every 4-6 hours).

Antacids (eg aluminum hydroxide + magnesium hydroxide: Maalox plus): these drugs are particularly indicated in cases of gastric pyrosis associated with poor digestion. It is preferable to combine the two active ingredients together, since they have opposite side effects (magnesium hydroxide is a laxative, aluminum hydroxide is responsible for constipation). Take 2-4 tablets per day (500-1500 mg) with plenty of water, 20-60 minutes before meals and before bedtime.

It is also possible to take sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO ₃ ): this substance acts quickly, but has unpleasant side effects (alkalinization of urine, swelling, hypersodemia).

Proton pump inhibitors

These drugs perform their action through a dual mechanism:

1. They act on the proton pump → block the production of histamine, gastrin, ac. Choline
2. Promote the eradication of Helicobacter pylori (in association with antibiotics)

• Pantoprazole (eg Peptazol, Pantorc, Nolpaza, Gastroloc): indicated for ulcer caused by esophageal reflux disease. Orally, take one 40 mg tablet once a day for 8 weeks. In case of complete failure to cure at the end of the treatment, repeat the treatment for another 8 weeks. Parenterally, administer 40 mg per day for a period varying from 7 to 10 days (intravenous infusion duration: not less than 15 minutes). Parenteral therapy should be discontinued when the subject is able to take the drug orally.
• Omeprazole (eg Antra, Nansem, Losec, Xantrazol): for the treatment of duodenal ulcer take 20 mg of the drug once a day, before the meal. The treatment should generally be continued for a period varying from 4 to 8 weeks, as indicated by the doctor. Increase the dosage to 40 mg once a day in case of gastric ulcer.
• Lansoprazole (eg. Pergastid, Lomevel, Lansox): in the case of duodenal ulcer, take 15 mg orally once a day, 30 minutes before the main meal. The therapy cycle lasts 4 weeks, unless otherwise medically indicated.

Protectors of the gastric mucosa

They exert a protective action on the gastric mucosa, and exhibit antibacterial properties: their action is enhanced when they are taken together with proton pump inhibitors

• Sucralfate (eg Degastril, Citogel): take one 1 gram tablet on an empty stomach 4 times a day, or 2 grams 2 times a day. This dosage is indicated for gastric ulcer, duodenal and reflux esophagitis.
• Bismuth compounds (eg salicylate bismuth): take 524 mg every 30-60 minutes as needed (not more than 8 doses per day). Alternatively, take 1048 mg orally every hour (no more than 4 doses per day). Against Helicobacter pylori, take 524 mg of drug 4 times a day for six weeks; reduce the dosage to 262 mg in case of Helicobacter ulcer in children under 10 years.

Analogs of prostaglandins

These drugs are indicated for gastric and duodenal ulcers due to the protective properties of the mucosa and antisecretory. The administration of these active ingredients is also recommended for ulcer prevention.

• Misoprostol (eg. Cytotec) take one 200 mg tablet 4 times a day, after meals and in the morning. The treatment should be continued for at least 4 weeks: if the patient still complains, the treatment should be continued for another 8 weeks.

This drug is recommended especially for prolonged NSAID therapies.

Antimicrobials

• Amoxicillin (eg Augmentin, Klavux) belongs to penicillins: it is a bactericide capable of inhibiting the synthesis of the cell wall of the bacterium (Helicobacter pylori). Take one tablet orally (1 gram) 2-3 times a day for 14 days. Amoxicillin is often used in combination with metronidazole and bismuth derivatives, or with proton pump inhibitors.
• Metronidazole (eg Metronid, Deflamon): take one 250 mg tablet every 6 hours. Also this drug is always prescribed in combination with a proton pump inhibitor or bismuth derivatives: approximately, the treatment against gastritis through this drug should be continued for 14 days.