Can Antisecretory Therapy Cure Refractory Ulcers?
Published: Jun 21, 2024
Medically reviewed by Jerome Albert Ecker | MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Duke University - Durham, NC on June 21st, 2024.
Antisecretory therapy is a cornerstone in managing stubborn peptic ulcers. Discover how these treatments work and why they're so crucial.
Contents
How Antisecretory Therapy Works
Antisecretory therapy involves medications that reduce stomach acid, helping ulcers heal. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are often used, and they work by blocking the enzyme responsible for acid production. This reduction in acid allows the ulcerated tissue to repair and heal over time.
When Standard Doses Fail
Sometimes, standard doses of PPIs aren't enough to heal stubborn ulcers. In such cases, increasing the dose to twice daily can be effective. This approach helps ensure that acid levels remain low throughout the day, providing a better environment for healing.
Exploring New Treatments
In some cases, newer medications like potassium competitive acid inhibitors, such as vonoprazan, have shown promise. These drugs offer potent acid suppression and may be effective where traditional PPIs fail. However, their availability may vary by region.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's a treatment that reduces stomach acid to help ulcers heal.
Increasing the dose to twice daily can help.
Yes, newer drugs like vonoprazan are being explored.
Key Takeaways
Antisecretory therapy remains a key player in the successful management of refractory peptic ulcers.
Explore with Doctronic whether antisecretory therapy is right for your ulcer treatment plan.Related Articles
References
Bardhan KD. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 1993; 7 Suppl 1:13.
Kawai T, Oda K, Funao N, et al. Gut 2018; 67:1033.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.