From the Guidelines
Gastritis should be treated with a focus on eradicating Helicobacter pylori infection, if present, using triple therapy with amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and a proton pump inhibitor for 14 days, as this approach has been shown to achieve high cure rates and reduce the risk of complications such as peptic ulcers and gastric cancer 1.
Treatment Approach
For acute gastritis, avoiding irritants like alcohol, spicy foods, and NSAIDs while taking antacids (such as Tums or Maalox) for immediate symptom relief is recommended. For more persistent symptoms, acid suppressants like H2 blockers (famotidine 20mg twice daily) or proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole 20mg once daily before breakfast) for 2-4 weeks are effective.
Helicobacter pylori Infection
If Helicobacter pylori infection is confirmed, triple therapy is needed: amoxicillin 1g twice daily, clarithromycin 500mg twice daily, and a PPI twice daily for 14 days 1. This approach is supported by recent studies, which emphasize the importance of achieving high cure rates to prevent complications and reduce the risk of gastric cancer 1.
Lifestyle Changes
In addition to medication, lifestyle changes such as staying hydrated, eating smaller frequent meals, and avoiding lying down for 2-3 hours after eating can help manage symptoms and support treatment.
Monitoring and Follow-up
If symptoms persist beyond 2 weeks of treatment, include blood in stool/vomit, or you experience significant weight loss, seek immediate medical attention as these may indicate more serious conditions 1. Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is essential to monitor treatment response and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
From the FDA Drug Label
Omeprazole delayed-release capsules are used in adults: • for up to 8 weeks for healing stomach ulcers. The answer is: Gastritis is not explicitly mentioned, however, omeprazole is used for healing stomach ulcers, which can be related to gastritis.
- Omeprazole may help with acid-related symptoms, but it is not a direct treatment for gastritis.
- The FDA label does not provide direct information on the treatment of gastritis with omeprazole or ranitidine 2 3.
From the Research
Gastritis Treatment
- Gastritis is often associated with Helicobacter pylori infection, and treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) 4, 5, 6, 7.
- PPIs, such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, and pantoprazole, have been shown to be effective in reducing gastric acid secretion and promoting healing of gastritis 4, 6.
- The choice of PPI may depend on the specific patient population and the presence of antibiotic resistance 5, 7.
Helicobacter pylori Eradication
- Eradication of H. pylori infection is typically achieved with a combination of two antibiotics and a PPI 4, 5, 7.
- The most effective regimen for H. pylori eradication is still a matter of debate, but studies suggest that a regimen consisting of omeprazole, metronidazole, and amoxicillin may be more effective than other combinations 5.
- Pretreatment susceptibility testing may be necessary to guide treatment decisions, particularly in areas with high rates of antibiotic resistance 7.
Proton Pump Inhibitors
- PPIs have been shown to have antibacterial activity against H. pylori, although the mechanisms of this effect are not fully understood 6.
- Different PPIs may have varying degrees of antibacterial activity, with lansoprazole being the most effective in some studies 6.
- PPIs may also have anti-inflammatory effects, which could contribute to their therapeutic benefits in gastritis and H. pylori infection 6.