What are some treatment options for stomach ulcers?

Medicines such as proton pump inhibitors and cytoprotective agents are used to treat stomach ulcers, according to Mayo Clinic. Proton pump inhibitors, such as Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix and Nexium, block the production of acid in the stomach and promote healing of ulcers, and cytoprotective agents protect the lining of the stomach and small intestine from further damage.

Antibiotics are an option if a bacterium called H. pylori is present in a patient's digestive system, states Mayo Clinic. Treatment with antibioitics usually lasts around two weeks and often involves additional medicine. Additionally, medicines such as Zantac, Pepcid and Tagamet are often prescribed to reduce the production of acid in the stomach and promote healing.

If symptoms don't get better, or the ulcer fails to heal, starts to bleed or stops food from entering the small intestine, then surgery is often performed, according to Healthline. Surgical treatments for ulcers include removal of the ulcer and the tying off of an artery. Sometimes, doctors may take tissue from another part of the intestine and sew it over the existing ulcer to close it off. Doctors can also cut the nerve supply to the stomach, which reduces the amount of acid that the stomach produces.