Ulcer-healing drugs

H2-antagonists (e.g. Ranitidine, Cimetidine):

• Ranitidine has fewer side effects and drug interactions
• both Ranitidine and Cimetidine are effective for treating GU and DU
• relapse is common when therapy is discontinued

Proton pump inhibitors (e.g. Omeprazole, Lansoprazole):

• Omeprazole acts for 24 hours (longer than H2-inhibitors)
• preferred initial drug therapy for treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcer disease and non-ulcer dyspepsia (1)

Prostaglandin analogues (Misoprostol):

• are used to prevent NSAID-associated ulcers
• cause diarrhoea too often to be included in the practice formulary

Reference:

1. NICE (August 2004). Dyspepsia - management of dyspepsia in adults in primary care.