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What Over the Counter Medications Can Be Taken for Gastritis?
Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining that allows stomach acid to damage the lining. Some cases of gastritis are caused by bacteria and require prescription antibiotic treatment, whereas other cases can be treated with over-the-counter medications.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Pain Relievers
According to the Mayo Clinic, gastritis can be caused by the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, naproxen or ibuprofen to relieve pain (see Reference 1) 1. Regular users of these drugs can reduce the effects of gastritis by switching to a non-prescription pain reliever that contains acetaminophen.
Antacids
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Gastritis pain can be relieved by taking an over-the-counter antacid such as Mylanta or Maalox, which neutralizes stomach acid (see Reference 1).
Acid Blockers
Acid-blocker medications such as Zantac, Tagamet and Pepcid are available without a prescription and can reduce the amount of acid that is produced by the stomach (see Reference 1).
Proton-Pump Inhibitors
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Proton-pump inhibitor medicines block the acid secretion of tiny pumps in the stomach (see Reference 1). Prilosec OTC and Prevacid 24 Hour are proton-pump inhibitors that can be purchased over the counter.
Bismuth
Bismuth is sold under the Pepto Bismol brand name and can help relieve gastritis discomfort (see Reference 1).
Related Articles
References
- Mayo Clinic: Gastritis
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Symptoms & causes of gastritis & gastropathy. Updated August 2019.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Diagnosis of Gastritis & Gastropathy. Updated August 2019.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Treatment of gastritis & gastropathy. Updated August 2019.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Definition & facts for gastritis & gastropathy. Updated August 2019.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Eating, diet, & nutrition for gastritis & gastropathy. Updated August 2019.
Writer Bio
Eric Smith has been a freelance writer since 2007 and has published articles on various websites. Smith specializes in a wide variety of topics, particularly health, travel and business. He has a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Oakland University.