Stomach Ulcer Medication: What Works, What to Avoid, and How to Stay Safe

When you have a stomach ulcer, a sore in the lining of your stomach or upper intestine caused by acid, bacteria, or medications. Also known as peptic ulcer, it’s not just discomfort—it’s a condition that needs the right treatment to heal properly. Most ulcers are caused by H. pylori, a type of bacteria that survives in stomach acid and damages the protective mucus layer, or by long-term use of NSAIDs, like ibuprofen or aspirin, which block the body’s natural defenses against acid. Left untreated, ulcers can bleed, perforate, or lead to serious complications. The goal isn’t just to ease pain—it’s to kill the bacteria, reduce acid, and let the lining repair itself.

That’s where stomach ulcer medication comes in. The most common and effective treatments include proton pump inhibitors, drugs like omeprazole and esomeprazole that shut down acid production at its source, and H2 blockers, like famotidine, which reduce acid in a different way. If H. pylori is the cause, you’ll get a combo of two antibiotics plus a PPI—this triple therapy clears the infection in most cases. Antacids like Tums or Maalox give quick relief but don’t heal ulcers; they’re for temporary comfort. Misusing them can mask symptoms and delay real treatment.

Some people try natural remedies—licorice, cabbage juice, probiotics—but none replace proven medication. And while stress doesn’t cause ulcers, it can make them worse. The real danger isn’t the ulcer itself—it’s ignoring it. Many assume burning pain is just "acid reflux" and keep popping antacids for months. That’s risky. Ulcers don’t always hurt badly, and bleeding can happen silently. If your pain changes, you vomit blood, or your stool turns black, you need help now.

What you’ll find here isn’t a list of brand names or ads. It’s a collection of real, practical guides from people who’ve been there. You’ll read about how to stick to your meds without forgetting, what to pack in an emergency kit if you’re on long-term treatment, how the FDA tracks safety after approval, and why some generic versions work better than others. There’s no guesswork. Just clear, tested info on what helps, what doesn’t, and how to avoid the traps that lead to more problems down the road.