Drug Therapy in Peptic Ulcer Disease

Peptic ulcer disease is a common GI disorder. In the last few decades infection with H. Pylori was associated with most ulcers in duodenum. NSAIDs use is another common cause for peptic ulcers. With advent of effective anti-secretory drugs and antibiotic regimen against H. Pylori, complete cure of peptic ulcer is possible in majority of cases. Antacids were initially used for ulcer diseases, which is now replaced almost completely by proton pump inhibitor (PPI). PPI remains the mainstay of therapy in uncomplicated peptic ulcer in addition to treating H. Pylori infection when present. Histamin-2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) and muco-protective agents are used in selective cases. Use of non NSAID analgesics and identifying high risk group patients on long term aspirin can minimize peptic ulcer disease. Role of diet in inducing or treating peptic ulcer disease remains controversial at best. Endoscopy remains the investigation of choice for diagnosis of peptic ulcer, as it also allows biopsy for H. Pylori and from suspicious area as well. Complications like bleeding and mortality from peptic ulcer disease also has decreased over time due to effective treatment strategies.