Final answer:
To treat duodenal ulcers, H₂ blockers like ranitidine, famotidine, and cimetidine, or proton-pump inhibitors like omeprazole are typically prescribed to decrease gastric acid production. Antibiotics may be prescribed alongside if the ulcer is caused by H. pylori infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
To decrease gastric acid production in patients with duodenal ulcers, medications such as H₂ blockers and proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly prescribed. Among H₂ blockers, ranitidine (Zantac), famotidine (Pepcid AC), and cimetidine (Tagamet) help to reduce the amount of acid made in the stomach. These are used not only for ulcers but also for conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. PPIs, such as omeprazole (Prilosec), also work by decreasing stomach acid production and are essential in managing peptic ulcers. In addition to these, ulcers caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori require antibiotics for the eradication of the infection. Treatment regimens may include a combination of antibiotics and acid-suppressing medications to effectively treat and promote the healing of duodenal ulcers.
Antacids may provide symptom relief; however, they do not decrease acid production like the aforementioned drugs. It's important to address the underlying causes of ulcers, which can include H. pylori infection or the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). For H. pylori, triple therapy, which combines acid-suppressing medication with antibiotics, is recommended.