ULCER HEALING DRUGS

What are the types of Ulcer Healing Drugs?

They consist firstly of H2 blockers. These are ranitidine (Zantac), cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid) and nizatidine (Axid). There are also so-called proton pump inhibitors: omeprazole (Losec), pantoprazole (Protium), rabeprazole (Pariet) and lansoprazole (Zoton). Other drugs used are bismuth (De-Nol), sucralfate (Antepsin) and misoprostol (Cytotec). Antibotics such as metronidazole (Flagyl), amoxycillin (Amoxil) and clarithromycin (Klaricid) are also used.

What are Ulcer Healing Drugs for ?

Anti-ulcer drugs are used to treat ulcers in the stomach and duodenum. These are called peptic ulcers. The drugs work by reducing acid in the stomach, thereby relieving pain and indigestion and assisting healing. A bacterium called Helicobacter pylori lives in the stomach of some people. If you get rid of this bacterium with an antibiotic the ulcer is less likely to come back.

How do Ulcer Healing Drugs work ?

H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors reduce the amount of acid made in the stomach. That gives the ulcer the chance to heal. Bismuth and sucralfate form coatings over the ulcer, protecting it from the irritation of any acid which is still produced. Bismuth will help to kill the Helicobacter germ as well. Misoprostol reduces acid, but also makes the stomach produce more mucus. This lines the stomach and further helps the healing process. Antibiotics also work by killing the Helicobacter bacterium.

How should Ulcer Healing Drugs be used ?

All anti-ulcer medication must be taken regularly, for as long as your advises it: not just when there is pain! H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors are usually taken for 4 to 8 weeks in the first instance, with a repeat course if the ulcer recurs. Longer-term, lower dose treatment may be necessary to preven the ulcer from coming back. Your ulcer may have been caused by taking certain painkillers, such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory tablets. In that case you may be prescribed misoprostol. This will need to be continued just as long as you need to take the painkiller. Helicobacter pylori is usually treated with a combination of a proton pump inhibitor and two antibiotics from those listed above. These are often given as a one-week course.

During Treatment with Ulcer Healing Drugs

You should start to feel better within a few hours of starting your anti-ulcer drugs, and very much better after a few days. Anti-ulcer drugs have very few side-effects, and most people feel well while they are taking them. Cimetidine may cause slight breast enlargement in men and vagueness in the elderly: ranitidine may be preferable in this age group. A rash or (yellow) jaundice can sometimes occur. Let your doctor know immediately. Bismuth, sucralfate, misoprostol and proton pump inhibitors can all cause bowel upsets. The antibiotics can also cause stomach or bowel symptoms. These are always temporary and will settle as soon as the antibiotics are stopped. H2 blockers and omeprazole can cause, dizziness, joint pains and depression. Let your doctor know if you have any of these problems.

Drug Interference

Cimetidine interferes with a lot of other drugs, because it tends to stop them being destroyed by the body. It increases the effect of blood thinning (anticoagulant) tablets, risking a bleed. It can also interact with some drugs used This can lead to theophylline side-effects such as headache, palpitations and nausea. In any case, check with your doctor about all your other medication. Proton pump inhibitors also increase the effect of blood thinning tablets. If you are taking bismuth it can stop another antibiotic (tetracycline) from having its proper effect. A different antibiotic may be needed if a separate infection such as pneumonia needs treatment. H2 blockers increase the effect of phenytoin, used in epilepsy. You could get side-effects.

What if Ulcer Healing Drugs are not taken ?

Since you will feel better soon after starting treatment, you may be tempted not to bother with further treatment. However, it is so important that you take the full course of treatment recommended by your doctor. This gives the ulcer a chance to heal properly. Untreated ulcers can also bleed. This may be very dangerous to your health, especially if you are elderly. If you forget to take a dose of anti-ulcer drug at the usual time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next dose, leave it out and get back to your usual schedule.

General advice on Ulcer Healing Drugs

You should avoid alcohol while on treatment. It does not interfere with any of the drugs, but will directly slow down healing. You should also not smoke: this delays healing in a big way. You should tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or think you could be. Misoprostol is not safe under these conditions. We are still uncertain whether proton pump inhibitors are safe in pregnancy either. The makers of some of the drugs used suggest that they also may not be safe during breast-feeding, as the drugs pass through to your baby with the milk. If you have any other questions which are not answered by this leaflet, do ask your pharmacist or doctor. Keep this leaflet handy in case you need to refer to it again in the future.