Gastritis is a general term that encompasses several diseases with one thing in common: inflammation of the mucosa that lines the stomach walls. Medications reduce the amount of acid present in the stomach, relieving the symptoms of this condition. They also aid in the healing of the mucosa.
Gastritis treatment should be performed by a gastroenterologist because the underlying cause must be determined. Additionally, several different medications can be used, such as antacids, acid inhibitors, and antibiotics, the latter used if the cause is an infection. In this article, we’ll review the most recommended medications for treating gastritis so you can improve your health. Take note!
The best medications to combat gastritis
Gastritis can be caused by bad habits related to poor diet, alcoholism, or excessive intake of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Sometimes, changing these habits for healthier ones is all that’s needed to resolve the problem. However, other times, the following medications are a priority:
Acid production inhibitors
These medications for treating gastritis work by reducing stomach acid production, thus reducing the most bothersome symptoms that often accompany gastritis: heartburn, burning, and pain.
Inhibitors act through several mechanisms: inhibition of the proton pump (omeprazole, pantoprazole, lansoprazole, or esomeprazole) or blocking the action of histamine (cimetidine or famotidine).
Some side effects may occur during this type of treatment. The most common are fatigue, drowsiness, muscle pain, diarrhea, headache, abdominal pain, skin rashes, nausea, constipation, and excessive intestinal gas.
Antacids
Antacids work by neutralizing stomach acid, although they aren’t as effective as the former. They primarily provide immediate relief, as they aren’t as effective. The best-known antacids are sodium bicarbonate, aluminum hydroxide, and magnesium hydroxide.
Common side effects that may occur during use are diarrhea or constipation.
Antibiotics
Most patients who seek medical attention for gastritis have infections caused by a bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, which is resistant to stomach acid. In these cases, doctors may recommend taking various antibiotics for a minimum of 7 days and a maximum of 14 days. This is the case with clarithromycin, along with metronidazole or amoxicillin.
The most common side effects of this type of treatment are: vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, headache, indigestion, abdominal pain, insomnia, effects on the palate, and skin reactions.
Medications to treat chronic gastritis should be prescribed by a gastroenterologist. Treatment may include various alternatives based on antacids (when symptoms worsen), gastric protectors before eating, and antibiotics, as needed.
In the case of acute gastritis, a problem that can appear unexpectedly, the gastroenterologist must determine the cause in order to prescribe the appropriate treatment. In any case, until the time of the consultation, symptoms can be treated with antacids.
In addition to following the most appropriate treatment for each case, it is essential to pay attention to other precautions while gastritis persists, such as choosing a recommended diet and avoiding fatty or sugary foods.
This information in no way replaces a doctor’s diagnosis or prescription. It is important to consult a specialist when symptoms of illness appear and never self-medicate.
Bibliography
Silveira, E. D., Errasquín, B. M., García, M. M., Vélez-Díaz-Pallarés, M., Montoya, I. L., Sánchez-Castellano, C., & Cruz-Jentoft, A. J. (2015). Improving medication prescribing in older adults: a new edition of the STOPP-START criteria. Spanish Journal of Geriatrics and Gerontology, 50(2), 89-96. Sagaró, E. (2009). GASTRITIS. EDUARDO SAGARÓ, MD. Gastrohnup Year Journal, 11(3), 156-161. Valdivia Roldán, M. (2011). Gastritis and gastropathies. Peruvian Journal of Gastroenterology, 31(1), 38-48.