What Over the Counter Medications Can Be Taken for Gastritis?

Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining that allows stomach acid to damage the lining. Some cases of gastritis are caused by bacteria and require prescription antibiotic treatment, whereas other cases can be treated with over-the-counter medications.

Pain Relievers

• According to the Mayo Clinic, gastritis can be caused by the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, naproxen or ibuprofen to relieve pain (see Reference 1). Regular users of these drugs can reduce the effects of gastritis by switching to a non-prescription pain reliever that contains acetaminophen.

Antacids

• Gastritis pain can be relieved by taking an over-the-counter antacid such as Mylanta or Maalox, which neutralizes stomach acid (see Reference 1).

Acid Blockers

• Acid-blocker medications such as Zantac, Tagamet and Pepcid are available without a prescription and can reduce the amount of acid that is produced by the stomach (see Reference 1).

Proton-Pump Inhibitors

• Proton-pump inhibitor medicines block the acid secretion of tiny pumps in the stomach (see Reference 1). Prilosec OTC and Prevacid 24 Hour are proton-pump inhibitors that can be purchased over the counter.

Bismuth

• Bismuth is sold under the Pepto Bismol brand name and can help relieve gastritis discomfort (see Reference 1).