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Antiulcer drugs are medicines used
to treat ulcers in the stomach and
the upper part of the small intestine.
Ulcers are sores or raw areas that
form in the lining of the stomach
or the duodenum (the upper part of
the intestine). Those that form in
the stomach are called gastric ulcers;
and the ones that form in the duodenum
are called duodenal ulcers. However,
both are referred to as peptic ulcers.
As against the thought, ulcer is
not the result of stress and certain
foods. It is either due to the infection
with a bacterium called Helicobacter
pylori or by long-term use of aspirin
or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen.
In either case, something damages
the barrier of mucus that normally
protects the stomach and duodenum
from the powerful acids and enzymes
that the body produces to digest food.
When that happens, the acids and enzymes
begin to eat away unprotected tissue,
causing ulcers.
What precautions do I need to take
for antiulcer drugs?
Antiulcer medications do not show
immediate results, it takes time to
relieve pain. Be patient and keep
taking the medicine as directed, even
if it does not seem to be working
at first. Anatacids may also be used
to relieve pains, however, check with
your physician before taking them.
If antacids and Anti-ulcer drugs are
taken together, allow half an hour
to an hour between taking the antacid
and taking the Anti-ulcer drug.
Smoking cigarettes may slow the healing
of ulcers and make them more likely
to develop again after treatment.
Ideally, avoid smoking completely
while taking antiulcer drugs or at
least, avoid smoking after taking
the last dose of the day.
Antiulcer drugs may affect the results
of certain medical tests. Let your
physician know before having any skin
tests or acid tests of stomach. Long-term
use of the antiulcer drugs like omeprazole
(Prilosec) can cause severe stomach
inflammation.
What are the likely side effects
of Anti-ulcer drugs?
The most common side effects are
dizziness, drowsiness, gas, headache,
indigestion, nausea, vomiting, abdominal
or stomach pain, and inflammation
of the nose. These problems usually
go away as the body adjusts to the
drug and do not require medical treatment.
Less common side effects, such as
blurred or dimmed vision, constipation,
itching, rash, sleeplessness, abnormal
dreams, breast swelling or tenderness
and backache also may occur and do
not need medical attention unless
they do not go away or they interfere
with normal activities.
More serious side effects are not
common, but if occur may include:
- Confusion
- Fast, slow, pounding, or irregular
heartbeat
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Tightness in chest
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
Other rare side effects may occur.
Anyone who has unusual symptoms after
taking antiulcer drugs should get
in touch with his/her physician.
What are the likely drug interactions
of antiulcer drugs?
Antiulcer drugs may interact with
a variety of other medicines. When
this happens, the effects of one or
both of the drugs may change or the
risk of side effects may be greater.
The drugs that may interact with certain
antiulcer drugs are:
- Aspirin
- Alcohol
- Antacids such as Mylanta and Maalox
- Blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin
(Coumadin)
- Other Anti-ulcer drugs
- Iron
The list above does not include all
the drugs that may interact with Anti-ulcer
drugs. One has to be make sure to
check with a physician or pharmacist
before combining Anti-ulcer drugs
with any other prescription or nonprescription
medicine.
What are the medications that come
under antiulcer categories ?
Based on your health condition your
doctor may prescribe any of the following
antiulcer drugs
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