Gastric Ulcer

1 medicine

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

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 gastric ulcer is an open sore in the stomach's inner lining, where the protective mucus layer has broken down and let acid damage the tissue beneath.
  • The two main causes are infection with the bacterium H. pylori and long-term use of NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or aspirin.
  • Treatment centers on acid-suppressing medicine that lets the lining heal; misoprostol protects the stomach when NSAID use can't be stopped.
  • See a doctor promptly for vomiting blood or very dark, tarry stools, these can signal bleeding.

What causes it

A gastric ulcer forms when the stomach's protective mucus layer thins or breaks down, letting acid burn into the tissue underneath. H. pylori infection is the most common trigger worldwide, and long-term use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen or aspirin is the other major cause; both interfere with the stomach's natural defenses. Stress and spicy food don't cause ulcers on their own, though they can make existing symptoms feel worse.

Symptoms

The hallmark is a burning or gnawing ache in the upper abdomen, often worse shortly after eating, unlike a duodenal ulcer, which tends to ease with food. Bloating, nausea, and feeling full after only a small meal are common. Occasional dark or tarry stools can occur; vomiting blood or passing very dark stools needs urgent attention, as it may mean the ulcer is bleeding.

How gastric ulcers are treated

Acid suppression is central to healing. Proton pump inhibitors reduce stomach acid output, giving the damaged lining time to repair itself over several weeks. When NSAID use can't be stopped because of another condition, misoprostol helps protect the stomach lining and supports healing alongside acid suppression. If H. pylori is confirmed, a course of antibiotics combined with acid-suppressing medicine clears the infection and lowers the chance of the ulcer coming back.

When to see a doctor

Get medical care promptly for vomiting blood, black or tarry stools, sudden severe abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss. Persistent upper-abdominal discomfort that doesn't ease with over-the-counter antacids also warrants a check-up, since ongoing NSAID use or an unresolved H. pylori infection can keep an ulcer from healing.

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