Dyspepsia

Treatment Options

It may be necessary for you to have one or more tests to determine what the cause of your dyspepsia is.  With the results in hand, your physician can determine what treatment options will be best for you.

• Antacids
  Antacids are useful as short-term therapy but are usually used for infrequent or "breakthrough" symptoms that may occur when the patient experiences symptoms while on other medications. In general, antacids would not be used as a regular form of therapy.
• H2-receptor antagonists (H2-RAs)
  This class of drugs has been available for over 25 years and was the first truly effective form of acid-reducing medicine. These pills provide a moderate decrease in acid produced by the stomach and are helpful for milder cases of reflux.
  They are effective in healing ulcers, although at a somewhat slower rate than the proton pump inhibitor class of drugs (see below). These drugs are very safe. Rare side effects may include skin rash, diarrhea, liver test abnormalities, and kidney problems. These medicines are accepted as safe for long-term therapy if necessary.
• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
  This class of drugs has been available for over 10 years and provides the most effective acid suppression currently available. These are the most effective pills for more severe reflux symptoms and are effective at healing ulcers somewhat more rapidly than H2-RAs. In general, the best medicine is the one that adequately controls symptoms.
  These pills are also considered safe for long term treatment if necessary. Use of this type of drug is often combined with antibiotics to treat Helicobacter pylori. Side effects with this class of medication are also infrequent and may include skin rash, diarrhea and a variety of other minor side effects. Rarely, interference with other drugs has to be considered by the doctor.