Medicines for gastritis, such as omeprazole or famotidine, help reduce acid production or neutralize acidity in the stomach, allowing it to heal and relieving symptoms such as pain, heartburn, burning sensations or frequent belching, for example.
Gastritis can be caused by excessive use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, poor diet or excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages and, in these cases, it is important to avoid the use of substances that cause stomach irritation, in addition to making changes to your diet. Find out what your diet should be like for gastritis.
The treatment of gastritis with medication should always be guided by a gastroenterologist, who may combine one or more medications, and if the gastritis is caused by an infection with bacteria H. pylorithe use of antibiotics may be recommended by your doctor.
Main pharmacy remedies
The main pharmacy remedies recommended by gastroenterologists for the treatment of gastritis are:
1. Proton pump inhibitors
Proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole or lansoprazole, for example, act by reducing the production of acid in the stomach by inhibiting the proton pump present in the cells of the stomach wall.
In this way, these remedies allow the stomach to heal and help reduce gastritis symptoms such as pain, a burning sensation in the stomach or frequent belching.
These medications should be used under the advice of a gastroenterologist as they can cause side effects such as kidney problems, headache, diarrhea, formation of bumps on the skin, abdominal pain, excessive production of intestinal gas, nausea, constipation or vitamin B12 deficiency. .
If you have symptoms of gastritis and want to be evaluated by a gastroenterologist, make an appointment in the nearest region:
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2. Histamine receptor antagonists
Histamine receptor antagonists, such as cimetidine or famotidine, act by inhibiting the production of acid in the stomach, by binding to regions in the cells of the stomach wall, preventing the action of histamine, which, when activated, increases the production of acids.
These remedies must be prescribed by a doctor and are relatively effective in treating gastritis, with a quick onset of action that can last for up to 12 hours.
However, people who do not experience improvement in symptoms of pain or a burning sensation in the stomach, up to 6 weeks after starting treatment, should consult their gastroenterologist again to change the dose or change treatment.
The most common side effects caused by the use of these medications are diarrhea, headache, drowsiness, tiredness, muscle pain or constipation.
3. Antacids
Antacids, such as aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate, act by quickly neutralizing stomach acid, causing the stomach to be less attacked by the acid, which allows you to temporarily relieve the discomfort caused by gastritis such as pain , heartburn or burning sensation.
However, antacids do not cure stomach inflammation and using them excessively or for a long time can cause rebound acidity, which is when the stomach increases acid production as it realizes that the acidity has decreased and thus the discomfort of gastritis can worsen. .
Furthermore, antacids can cause side effects such as diarrhea, constipation or kidney problems, and therefore, their use should always be done with medical advice.
Read too: Rebound effect: what it is, symptoms, causes (and what to do)
4. Antibiotics
Most gastritis is caused by a bacterial infection. Helicobacter pylori. In these cases, the doctor may recommend a combination of antibiotics such as clarithromycin associated with amoxicillin or metronidazole, for 7 to 14 days.
Some of the most common side effects that may occur during treatment with these antibiotics are diarrhea, vomiting, poor digestion, nausea, abdominal pain, skin reactions, headache, taste changes and insomnia.
When to take medicine for chronic gastritis
Medication for chronic gastritis must be prescribed by a gastroenterologist and may include several treatment options, such as an acid production inhibitor while fasting, an antacid whenever symptoms worsen during the day or an antibiotic at a specific time, for example.
When to take medicine for acute gastritis
Cases of acute gastritis, that is, gastritis that appears suddenly, must be evaluated by a gastroenterologist to identify the cause and initiate appropriate treatment. However, to alleviate symptoms until the appointment, the person can take antacid medications when they feel pain or burning.
Natural remedy for gastritis
A great natural remedy for gastritis is kale juice with papaya and melon, as this fruit has properties that help with digestion and reduce stomach acidity, helping to alleviate symptoms.
Other natural remedy options are espinheira-santa tea or aroeira tea, as they contain substances that help reduce stomach acidity and protect the stomach from the acid it produces, and can be used to complement the treatment recommended by the doctor. Learn how to prepare natural remedies for gastritis.
Furthermore, it is important to be careful with your diet, such as avoiding spicy seasonings, acidic foods, such as lemon, orange and pineapple, and very fatty or sweet foods, for example, in addition to eating a light digestible diet, including foods cooked in water and salt and with little fat, for example.
