What medicine to take for gastritis

Bottles of antacids, probiotics, and prescription medications arranged on a table

Gastritis is stomach inflammation caused by infection, stress, or erosion. Treatment depends on the cause, severity, and symptoms.

How gastritis treatment works

Medicines for gastritis reduce inflammation, neutralize stomach acid, or fight infections. Over-the-counter options treat mild cases, while severe gastritis requires prescription drugs.

Main types of gastritis medicines

Doctors prescribe different medicines based on the cause. Common options include:

Antacids: Neutralize stomach acid for quick relief (e.g., Tums, Maalox).
H2 blockers: Reduce acid production (e.g., Pepcid, Tagamet).
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): Block acid production (e.g., Prilosec, Prevacid).
Probiotics: Restore gut bacteria balance (e.g., Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium).
Antibiotics: Treat bacterial infections like H. pylori (e.g., amoxicillin, clarithromycin).

When to see a doctor

Common mistakes

People often confuse gastritis with heartburn or acid reflux. Gastritis involves stomach lining inflammation, while heartburn is burning chest pain from acid reflux. Treating them differently is important.

Worked example

If you have mild gastritis from spicy food, start with antacids like Tums. If symptoms worsen, switch to an H2 blocker like Pepcid. For persistent issues, consult a doctor for PPIs or antibiotics if an infection is present.

Natural remedies

Some people prefer natural remedies like ginger tea, chamomile, or licorice root. These may help soothe inflammation but aren't substitutes for medical treatment.

Prevention tips

To avoid gastritis, eat smaller meals, limit alcohol, and manage stress. Avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen, which can irritate the stomach lining.

For allergy-related stomach issues, see allergy treatments.