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Key takeaways
The first-line treatment for ulcers is usually a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) such as omeprazole, along with a course of antibiotics when H. pylori cause the ulcer.
Over-the-counter medicine for ulcer symptoms includes antacids such as Tums (calcium carbonate) and Pepcid AC (famotidine), but OTC products aren’t meant to heal an ulcer or treat an infection.
There are no home remedies that can cure an ulcer completely, but avoiding nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), alcohol, and smoking can help them heal or prevent them from coming back.
Ulcers are open sores that often develop in the stomach (gastric ulcers), the upper part of the intestine (duodenal ulcers), or the lower esophagus (esophageal ulcers). Gastric and duodenal ulcers may be caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori or by certain pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin, while esophageal ulcers usually result from acid reflux. Ulcers are common and can heal within a couple of months after getting the right treatment. See a healthcare provider if you experience black or bloody stools, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, or trouble swallowing.
How are ulcers diagnosed?
Ulcers are usually diagnosed by a healthcare provider who can look at your medical history, perform a physical exam, and recommend further testing as needed. You can expect questions about symptoms, the use of NSAIDs or blood thinners, a family history of gastrointestinal cancer, and any serious red flags like black stools, vomiting, or weight loss. Testing for ulcers may include:
H. pylori testing: A urea breath test is fast and accurate, but stool or urine tests may also be used.
Blood tests: Since ulcers can cause bleeding, blood tests can help check for anemia.
Upper endoscopy (EGD): With this test, a thin, flexible camera allows the gastroenterologist to see the ulcer directly and, if needed, take a tissue sample.
Imaging: In some cases, an imaging test is needed with a barium swallow X-ray or CT scan to check for complications or rule out other conditions.
Diagnosing an ulcer early can help reduce the risk of bleeding, perforation, obstruction, and other complications. A healthcare provider can then determine the best treatment based on the results of these tests.
Ulcer treatment options
Ulcers can be cured by treating the underlying cause and reducing stomach acid to allow the sore to heal. Treatment may include stopping NSAIDs, taking antibiotics with acid reducers for an H. pylori infection, or treating GERD if acid reflux is causing an esophageal ulcer. A healthcare provider can evaluate the ulcer's cause and location to recommend a medication or other treatment. In severe cases, surgery or other procedures may be needed, especially if the ulcer doesn’t improve with medication alone.
Types of ulcer medication
Ulcer medications work by managing stomach acid, protecting the stomach lining, or treating an H. pylori infection.
Proton pump inhibitors
Proton pump inhibitors are a first-line medication for treating and preventing stomach and esophageal ulcers. Drugs such as pantoprazole, omeprazole, and esomeprazole block the stomach's acid pumps. They are taken once or twice daily, often for several weeks, to heal an ulcer fully.
H2 blockers
H2 blockers (histamine H2 receptor antagonists), such as famotidine and cimetidine, help prevent histamine from stimulating the release of stomach acid. Although they work faster than PPIs, they’re not as potent. Ranitidine is an older H2 blocker that was removed from the U.S. market in 2020 due to concerns of contamination.
Antibiotics
Ulcers caused by H. pylori typically require antibiotic treatment. The first-line treatment plan for this infection is a PPI, bismuth subsalicylate, tetracycline, and metronidazole taken for 14 days. Other options include newer treatments using vonoprazan or rifabutin. An older regimen with clarithromycin and amoxicillin is now used only if tests show the bacteria will respond to it.
Protectants
Sucralfate coats the ulcer and protects it from acid while it heals. Misoprostol protects the stomach lining and may be prescribed to prevent ulcers in people who need to stay on treatment with NSAIDs.
Over-the-counter ulcer medicine
OTC products can help control ulcer symptoms. Antacids such as Tums (calcium carbonate), magnesium hydroxide, or Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) can quickly neutralize stomach acid, while Pepcid AC (famotidine) and Prilosec OTC (omeprazole) can offer longer relief. For pain, use Tylenol (acetaminophen), and avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin, since they can damage the stomach lining and worsen ulcers. Talk to a healthcare provider if you need these medicines for more than a few days.
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This is not an exhaustive list of ulcer medications. Always ask your healthcare provider for the best treatment for an ulcer based on your health condition and medical history.
Common side effects of ulcer medicine
Side effects will depend on the drug class, dose, and other factors.
Common side effects of PPIs may include headache, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. Long-term use may increase the risk of low vitamin B12 and magnesium levels, bone fractures, kidney problems, and C. difficile diarrhea.
Common side effects of H2 blockers may include headache, dizziness, and drowsiness. Confusion is a possible side effect, especially in older adults.
Common side effects of antibiotics include nausea, diarrhea, and a metallic taste (metronidazole).
This is not a complete list, so talk to a healthcare provider about any concerns or questions about side effects.
Home remedies for an ulcer
Home remedies aren’t enough to heal an ulcer on their own. However, they can help facilitate healing and protect the stomach from further irritation while the ulcer heals with other medications.
Avoid NSAIDs: Medications like ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin can disrupt the stomach’s protective lining. Consider using acetaminophen for pain instead.
Stop drinking and smoking: Alcohol and tobacco can increase stomach acid, irritate the stomach lining, and slow the healing of an ulcer.
Eat smaller meals: Several small meals per day can be easier on the stomach, while reducing coffee, soft drinks, and spicy or fatty foods can help reduce symptoms or flare-ups.
Add probiotic foods: Foods like yogurt, kefir, and other fermented foods can be helpful additions alongside H. pylori treatment to reduce antibiotic side effects.
Manage stress: Although stress doesn’t directly cause ulcers, it may worsen symptoms. Try exercises like stretching, yoga, and meditation to reduce stress.
While these lifestyle changes can help support healing, ulcers usually need medication to heal fully. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare provider for the right treatment plan.
Expert takeaway
A mistake many patients make is stopping their PPI as soon as the pain gets better. The sore typically takes weeks to heal fully, so it’s important to complete the entire treatment course even if you feel fine.
Frequently asked questions about ulcers
What is the best medicine for an ulcer?
The most commonly used medications for ulcers are proton pump inhibitors to reduce stomach acid. If H. pylori is causing the ulcer, antibiotics are recommended, since the ulcer can keep coming back until the infection is cleared.
What antibiotics treat an ulcer?
The preferred first-line antibiotic plan combines tetracycline and metronidazole with bismuth and a PPI for 14 days. Amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and rifabutin are sometimes used depending on a person’s allergies or other factors.
How can I permanently cure a stomach ulcer?
Like any other sore, a stomach ulcer can be permanently cured. However, this doesn’t mean new ulcers won’t form later, especially if an underlying, untreated infection is causing them.
How long does it take for a stomach ulcer to heal?
A simple stomach ulcer without complications can take about six to eight weeks or more to heal with the right medications. Duodenal ulcers can heal more quickly, typically within four to six weeks. An esophageal ulcer typically heals in two to eight weeks. Healing depends on what’s causing the ulcer.
Sources
Peptic ulcer disease, StatPearls (2023)
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and the gastrointestinal tract, Clinical Medicine (2021)
Gastric ulcer, StatPearls (2026)
Esophageal ulcer, StatPearls (2025)
ACG clinical guideline: Treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection, American College of Gastroenterology (2024)
A global perspective on smoking’s impact on peptic ulcer disease: DALY trends and projections, Frontiers in Public Health (2025)
Treatment for peptic ulcers (stomach or duodenal ulcers), National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (2022)
Proton-pump inhibitors: What you need to know, Harvard Health Publishing (2024)
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