How effective is acid reflux medication for gastritis?

Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining. Medicines that reduce stomach acid may give the lining time to settle and can lessen burning, upper-abdominal discomfort or acid-related indigestion. Relief does not prove that acid is the only cause. Gastritis may also be linked with infection, anti-inflammatory pain medicines, alcohol or other irritation, and those triggers may need separate treatment or removal.

Some people notice improvement quickly, while inflamed tissue may take longer to calm. Symptoms that continue, return after treatment, or include nausea, vomiting or reduced appetite deserve a clinical review.

Use the medicine exactly as directed on its label or prescription, including when to take it. Do not extend a course, combine acid medicines, or stop a prescribed treatment without checking with a clinician or pharmacist. Avoid personal triggers such as late heavy meals, alcohol or medicines that irritate your stomach when a clinician has advised this.

Arrange an assessment if symptoms are new, persistent or recurring. A clinician can consider the likely cause, review medicines, and decide whether testing or a different treatment is needed. See the [Gastritis](/conditions/gastritis/) and [Acid Reflux Medication](/treatments/medical-management/acid-reflux-medication/) guides for background.

Seek urgent medical help for vomiting blood, black or tar-like stools, severe or worsening abdominal pain, fainting, marked weakness, or trouble swallowing. Get prompt advice if repeated vomiting prevents fluids staying down or symptoms are accompanied by unexplained weight loss.

Ask what may be causing the gastritis, how long the medicine should be used, whether another medicine could be irritating your stomach, and what symptoms should trigger a review.