Duodenal Ulcer

2 medicines

A duodenal ulcer is an open sore on the lining of the duodenum, usually caused by H. pylori infection or long-term NSAID use, and treated with acid-suppressing medicine.

Aciphex

Rabeprazole

10/20mg

Aciphex is a digestive health medication containing Rabeprazole, available as 10/20mg tablets.

from $0.54 / tablet View

Cytotec

Misoprostol

100/200mcg

Cytotec is a digestive health medication containing Misoprostol, available as 100/200mcg tablets.

from $0.91 / tablet View

Key facts

  • A duodenal ulcer is an open sore on the lining of the duodenum, the first section of the small intestine just below the stomach.
  • Burning or gnawing pain typically strikes between meals and at night, and often eases for a while after eating.
  • Most cases trace back to infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria or long-term use of NSAID painkillers.
  • Treatment lowers stomach acid with a proton pump inhibitor such as rabeprazole, sometimes alongside misoprostol when NSAIDs are the cause.

What a duodenal ulcer is

A duodenal ulcer forms when acid and digestive enzymes erode the lining of the duodenum faster than it can repair itself. The pain pattern is fairly distinctive: a burning or gnawing sensation that strikes on an empty stomach or at night and eases, at least for a while, after eating.

What causes it

Helicobacter pylori infection is the leading cause worldwide, weakening the protective mucus layer and allowing acid to damage the tissue underneath. Long-term use of NSAID painkillers is the other major cause, since these drugs reduce the stomach and duodenum's natural defences against acid.

How it's treated

Healing a duodenal ulcer means lowering the acid load and, where relevant, shielding the gut lining from further damage. Rabeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, cuts acid secretion sharply so the ulcerated tissue can repair. When the ulcer developed because of NSAID use, adding misoprostol reinforces the mucosal lining and lowers the risk of further injury. Both sit within the broader digestive health range. Where H. pylori is confirmed, a course of antibiotics alongside acid suppression clears the infection and cuts the chance of the ulcer returning.

When to see a doctor

Seek medical attention promptly if you notice black or tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or sudden severe abdominal pain. These can signal bleeding and need same-day assessment.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.