How effective is antibiotic treatment for peptic ulcer?

Not every peptic ulcer needs antibiotics. They are used when testing indicates Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that can irritate the stomach or duodenal lining. The regimen commonly combines more than one antibiotic with medicine that reduces stomach acid. Acid reduction supports healing, while antibiotics target the underlying infection. Pain can improve before the ulcer has healed, so feeling better is not a reason to stop early.

Some ulcers have other causes, such as anti-inflammatory pain medicines, and need a different plan. Your clinician may review medicines that irritate the stomach and consider protection for the lining.

Follow the schedule carefully and tell your prescriber about allergies, pregnancy, previous antibiotic reactions and all medicines you use. Nausea, altered taste or loose stools can occur; ask how to manage them rather than stopping without advice. A follow-up test may be arranged after treatment to check whether Helicobacter pylori has cleared.

Seek urgent help for vomiting blood, black or tar-like stools, sudden severe abdominal pain, fainting or marked weakness. Contact your clinician promptly if pain persists, vomiting prevents you keeping medicines down, or symptoms return after treatment.

Ask whether Helicobacter pylori was confirmed, how each medicine should be timed, which painkillers to avoid, and when a follow-up test should happen.