Gastritis medication
2-minute read
Gastritis occurs when your stomach lining becomes inflamed (swollen and red). It can last for a short time then go away, or it can last a long time.
Gastritis has several causes, including infection. Treatment of will depend on the cause.
You can ease the symptoms of gastritis by eating and drinking in ways that don’t annoy your stomach, and by medications.
To treat your stomach gently:
- avoid alcohol
- avoid foods that give you pain
- eat smaller meals
- avoid using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS
Medicines may be used to:
- reduce the production of stomach acid
- make the stomach less acidic
- treat an infection with Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori, which is a common cause of gastritis
Types of gastritis medicines
H2 blockers
H2 blockers are medicines that reduce the amount of acid in your stomach. They include ranitidine and famotidine.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has a recall notice on this product
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued an alert on ranitidine. For more information and the latest updates, see TGA's alert on ranitidine.
Proton pump inhibitors
Proton pump inhibitors are like H2 blockers, but stronger. They include omeprazole and pantoprazole.
Antacids
Antacids work by neutralising stomach acid.
Helicobacter Pylori treatment
This usually combines antibiotics with acid reducing medications such as proton pump inhibitors.
Important information about gastritis medication
If you have gastritis, discuss with your doctor:
- the benefits of medicine for gastritis
- the risks of medicine
See your doctor if you vomit blood or notice blood in your stool (your toilet) as these may be signs of stomach bleeding.
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Last reviewed: February 2018
