Nonprescription Medicines for Peptic Ulcers

Topic Overview

Take antacids or acid reducers to relieve your symptoms of peptic ulcer.

• Antacids (such as Tums, Maalox, or Mylanta) reduce the amount of acid in your stomach.
• Acid reducers (such as Pepcid or Prilosec) reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces.

Reducing the amount of acid in your stomach helps your ulcer heal.
If you are taking one of these medicines to help your symptoms for more than 10 to 14 days at a time, or if your symptoms are very bad, call your doctor.
If you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before choosing an antacid. Some antacids have a high salt (sodium) content.

Related Information

• Antacids for peptic ulcer disease
• Histamine H2 acid reducers for peptic ulcer disease
• Peptic Ulcer Disease
• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) for Peptic Ulcer Disease