Over the counter medication for gastritis
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Over-the-Counter Medication for Gastritis
Introduction to Gastritis and Its Symptoms
Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining that can be acute or chronic. Common symptoms include upper abdominal discomfort, heartburn, indigestion, nausea, belching, and bloating, typically occurring after meals3. The condition can be triggered by various factors, including infections, dietary habits, and lifestyle choices8.
Common Over-the-Counter Medications
Antacids and Oxethazaine Mixtures
Antacids are a widely used over-the-counter remedy for gastritis. They work by neutralizing stomach acid, providing symptomatic relief from discomfort and heartburn. A combination of antacids with oxethazaine, a topical anesthetic, has shown effectiveness in managing gastritis symptoms, particularly in elderly patients3. This combination helps alleviate pain and discomfort by both neutralizing acid and numbing the stomach lining.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
Proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole, are another common over-the-counter treatment for gastritis. They reduce stomach acid production by inhibiting the proton pumps in the stomach lining. However, omeprazole has been associated with potential toxicity to the gastric mucosa due to its oxidative effects. Antioxidants like Vitamin C can mitigate this toxicity without impairing the drug's acid-suppressing effects10.
Histamine H2 Receptor Inhibitors
Histamine H2 receptor inhibitors, such as ranitidine, are also used to treat gastritis by reducing stomach acid production. These medications are effective in providing symptomatic relief and are commonly prescribed for gastritis patients8. However, their use should be monitored for potential drug interactions and side effects.
Alternative and Nutritional Therapies
Weifuchun Tablets
Weifuchun, a Chinese patent medicine, has been shown to be more effective than Western medicine and other Chinese patent medicines in treating chronic atrophic gastritis. It improves gastric mucosal conditions and inhibits Helicobacter pylori, a common cause of gastritis1. However, more high-quality clinical studies are needed to confirm its safety and efficacy.
Wheat Peptides and Fucoidan (WPF)
A combination of wheat peptides and fucoidan has demonstrated protective effects against chronic superficial gastritis. This nutritional intervention not only reduces gastric mucosal damage but also improves gut microbiota composition, which can benefit overall gastrointestinal health4 6. Participants in studies reported significant reductions in symptoms such as stomach pain, belching, bloating, and acid reflux.
Food-Based Therapies
Various food-derived products have been explored for their potential benefits in treating gastritis. Foods like garlic, turmeric, red peppers, broccoli sprouts, cranberry juice, honey, and probiotics have shown promise in clinical studies. These natural remedies can offer an alternative to traditional medications, potentially reducing the risk of side effects5.
Conclusion
Over-the-counter medications for gastritis, including antacids, proton pump inhibitors, and histamine H2 receptor inhibitors, provide effective symptomatic relief. Additionally, alternative therapies such as Weifuchun tablets, wheat peptides and fucoidan, and food-based treatments offer promising options for managing gastritis. Patients should consider these alternatives, especially if they experience side effects from conventional medications. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment regimen.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Efficacy and safety of Weifuchun tablet for chronic atrophic gastritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Weifuchun tablet is more effective than Western medicine and other Chinese patent medicine for treating chronic atrophic gastritis, but there is no significant difference in safety.
Meta-AnalysisNitrofurans in the treatment of gastritis associated with Campylobacter pylori. The Gastrointestinal Physiology Working Group of Cayetano Heredia and The Johns Hopkins Universities.
Nitrofurantoin and furazolidone effectively reduce or clear Campylobacter pylori colonization in antral gastritis, but relapse is common within 6 weeks.
RCT
Highly CitedTREATMENT OF GASTRITIS WITH AN ANTACID‐OXETHAZAINE MIXTURE
Oxethazaine in alumina gel with magnesium hydroxide effectively treats gastritis in elderly patients, providing symptom relief and reducing side effects.
Case ReportThe Combination of Wheat Peptides and Fucoidan Protects Against Chronic Superficial Gastritis and Regulates Gut Microbiota: A Double-blinded, Placebo-controlled Study (P06-104-19).
The combination of wheat peptides and fucoidan (WPF) can help reverse the progression of chronic gastritis and improve gut microbiota regulation, potentially benefiting the lower gastrointestinal tract.
RCT
Very Rigorous JournalUse of food and food-derived products in the treatment of gastritis: A systematic review
Food-based therapies show potential as alternative treatments for gastritis, but more rigorous clinical studies are needed to confirm these results.
Systematic ReviewThe combination of wheat peptides and fucoidan protects against chronic superficial gastritis and alters gut microbiota: a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study
The combination of wheat peptides and fucoidan (WPF) effectively reduces chronic superficial gastritis progression and improves gut microbial profile, potentially benefiting the lower gastrointestinal tract.
RCT
Rigorous JournalCurrent pharmacotherapy options for gastritis
Pharmacotherapy options for gastritis include H. pylori-induced gastritis, autoimmune gastritis, and NSAID-related gastropathy, with sequential or quadruple therapy being best in regions with high clarithromycin resistance.
Literature ReviewEvaluation of Gastritis Medication in Patient Prescriptions at the Inpatient Ward of Labuang Baji Regional General Hospital in Makassar City
Ranitidine is a suitable medication for gastritis patients, but drug interactions should be considered due to potential harmful or beneficial consequences.
Anti‐inflammatory and tissue‐protectant drug effects: results from a randomized placebo‐controlled trial of gastritis patients at high risk for gastric cancer
Tetracycline effectively reduces inflammation and protects against gastric cancer in patients with H. pylori-associated gastritis, without reducing the bacterial load.
RCTAntioxidant pre-treatment prevents omeprazole-induced toxicity in an in vitro model of infectious gastritis.
Omeprazole toxicity is oxidative and preventable with antioxidant therapy, including Vitamin C, making it a safe and effective addition to treatments requiring the use of PPIs.
In Vitro Study