Contents:
- Medical Video: Acupressure for Stomach Pain
- Medications used for stomach ulcers and gastric acid reflux (GERD)
- Medications to reduce or neutralize stomach acid
- Medication for strengthening the esophageal sphincter
- Medications used for constipation
- Medication for softening feces
- Medication to stimulate bowel movements
- A drug used for stomach ailments related to bacteria
Medical Video: Acupressure for Stomach Pain
There are many causes of stomach pain. Gastric acid,constipation, contraction of the abdominal muscles, or stomach ulcers can cause abdominal pain. Depending on the cause of abdominal pain, the doctor will recommend appropriate treatment.
Medications used for stomach ulcers and gastric acid reflux (GERD)
To treat acid refluxYou can use drugs to reduce or neutralize stomach acid, medications to reduce stomach pain, or to strengthen the esophageal sphincter.
Medications to reduce or neutralize stomach acid
Drug bloated which is sold freely. Medicines containing simethicone which can help reduce gas. Examples of gas-removing drugs include simethicone (Mylanta® and Gas-X®).
Medicines to reduce acid production. Called H-2-receptor blockersThese drugs are sold freely and include cimetidine (Tagamet HB®), famotidine (Pepcid AC®), nizatidine (Axid AR®) and ranitidine (Zantac 75®). A stronger version of this drug is available in prescription form.
Proton pump inhibitor reduce stomach acid by stopping the production of acid or acid "pumps." Proton pump inhibitor including lansoprazole (Prevacid®) and omeprazole (Prilosec®).
Medication for strengthening the esophageal sphincter
Agent prokinetic reduce stomach pain caused by acid reflux by helping the digestive system faster. Thus, the time food is in the stomach will decrease and reduce the possibility of abdominal pain at the top. The doctor may prescribe a metoclopramide (Reglan®) drug, but this drug does not work for everyone and may have significant side effects.
Medications used for constipation
You can get laxatives to soften feces or help by contracting the muscles to be able to defecate.
Medication for softening feces
Laxatives to soften feces work by keeping fluids in your stool, making them dry and easy to get out. Commonly prescribed laxatives include ispaghula, methylcellulose and sterculia. When using a type of laxative, you should drink plenty of fluids, and not drink them before going to bed. It usually takes two to three days before you feel the effects of laxatives.
Another type of laxative to soften your stool is an osmotic laxative. Instead of keeping fluids in the stool, this drug works withincrease the amount of fluid in your stomach. This softens the stool and stimulates your body to release it. This type of medicine is often used when forming laxatives do not work.
Commonly prescribed osmotic laxatives include lactulose and macrogols. As a forming laxative, make sure you drink enough fluids. It usually takes two to three days before you feel the effect of the laxative.
Medication to stimulate bowel movements
Some people may have problems when removing feces because of weak muscle contraction. Even if your stool is not hard, you need to contract the muscles to be able to defecate. A type of laxative that stimulates the muscles that line your digestive tract, helps remove waste products along the large intestine into your anus.
The most commonly prescribed stimulant laxatives are senna, bisacodyl and sodium picosulphate. These laxatives are usually only used in the short term, and they start working within 6 to 12 hours.
A drug used for stomach ailments related to bacteria
Heartburn, or gastric ulcer, is often caused by infection with H. pylori bacteria. Call your doctor if you suspect H. pylori infection. This is usually done when you have tried and failed other home remedies.
To reduce acid in your stomach, the following drugs can help:
- Antacids: This drug works with neutralize gastric acid and fast reduce pain. Side effects can include constipation or diarrhea, depending on the main ingredients in the drug. Antacids can help relieve symptoms, but can not cure your stomach.
- Acid blockers or Histamine (H-2) blockers: This drug reduces the amount of acid by blocking histamine receptors in the stomach. Some drugs can include ranitidine (Zantac ®), famotidine (Pepcid ®), cimetidine (Tagamet ®) and nizatidine (Axid ®).
- Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI): This drug works with inhibit acid production from inhibits the proton pump medication. These drugs include omeprazole (Prilosec ®), lansoprazole (Prevacid ®), rabeprazole (Aciphex ®), esomeprazole (Nexium ®) and pantoprazole (Protonix ®).
- Medicines strengthen lining of the stomach and small intestine. A type a drug called cytoprotective agents can helps protect the stomach and small intestine. You can get medical prescription as sucralfate (method of eating ®) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol ®).
When your doctor confirms that your stomach ulcer is caused by an H.pylori infection, you may need to take antibiotics in addition to the drugs mentioned above. The duration of treatment usually ranges from 2 weeks to 4 weeks. You may need to repeat the treatment if the bacteria is still detected.
You should discuss with your doctor or pharmacist about how to use this drug, the right dosage and side effects and interactions with other drugs, herbs or supplements you use.
