Peptic Ulcers: Causes, Treatments, and Medications That Help

When your stomach lining gets damaged and forms an open sore, you’re dealing with a peptic ulcer, a break in the lining of the stomach or upper small intestine, often caused by bacteria or acid erosion. Also known as stomach ulcers, these sores don’t just cause discomfort—they can lead to serious bleeding or perforation if ignored. About 1 in 10 people will get one in their lifetime, and it’s not just from eating spicy food or stress—though those can make it worse.

The main culprit behind most peptic ulcers is a bacteria called H. pylori, a common bacterium that weakens the protective mucus layer in the stomach, letting acid burn through the lining. The other big trigger is long-term use of NSAIDs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen that block protective enzymes in the stomach. Even aspirin, taken daily for heart health, can do this. You might not feel pain until the ulcer is already deep—some people only notice when they vomit blood or pass black, tarry stools.

Treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. If H. pylori is found, you’ll get a combo of antibiotics and acid-reducing meds. Proton pump inhibitors, drugs like omeprazole or pantoprazole that shut down acid production at the source are the gold standard for healing. They’re often paired with H2 blockers like ranitidine (though many have been pulled from shelves due to contamination risks). The key is finishing the full course—even if your pain disappears after a few days. Stopping early lets the bacteria come back stronger.

And here’s something many don’t realize: some meds meant to help can actually cause ulcers. Pain relievers like Toradol or Indocin, often used for short-term relief, can be risky if taken for weeks. Even certain antidepressants and blood thinners can play a role. That’s why it’s critical to talk to your doctor before mixing any new pills with your current routine. If you’re on long-term NSAIDs and have a history of stomach issues, your doctor might recommend a PPI just to protect your gut.

It’s not just about popping pills. Diet matters less than you think—no need to avoid milk or citrus unless it triggers your symptoms. But smoking and heavy drinking? Those definitely slow healing and raise your risk of complications. The real focus should be on stopping the cause: killing H. pylori or switching off the NSAIDs. Follow-up testing after treatment is rare, but if your symptoms return, don’t assume it’s just indigestion—get checked again.

What you’ll find below is a collection of real, practical posts that dig into the medications tied to peptic ulcers—both the ones that fix them and the ones that make them worse. From how proton pump inhibitors stack up against older drugs, to why some painkillers are riskier for older adults, to what happens when you mix common meds with grapefruit juice—you’ll see the full picture. No fluff. Just what you need to understand your treatment, avoid mistakes, and protect your gut.