It's normal for us to go to the pharmacy and buy a painkiller when we have a headache or a body ache. But if you have a condition like gastritis or a stomach ulcer, taking these seemingly harmless pills can be very dangerous. In fact, no medicine is 100% risk-free. Some painkillers can worsen your condition and even be life-threatening. So today, let's talk about the things that a person with a stomach ulcer should be careful about when using painkillers.
Types of painkillers to avoid (NSAIDs)
Simply put, if you have a stomach ulcer, it is very dangerous to use painkillers in a class called Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs , or what we call NSAIDs for short. Using these can make the stomach ulcer worse, cause excessive bleeding, and even be life-threatening.
Some of the medications we all use regularly belong to this category.
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Diclofenac
- Naproxen
These are the most common examples. If you have stomach problems, it is wise to avoid these medications altogether.
So isn't there a safer alternative?
There really is. Acetaminophen is a non-NSAID pain reliever. We all know it by the name Paracetamol . If someone with a stomach ulcer is experiencing pain, Paracetamol is a largely safe option.
But remember this: Your doctor should decide which painkiller is best for you, and it's safest. So be sure to consult your doctor before using any painkiller.
What to do if you have to take an NSAID?
Sometimes, a doctor may prescribe you to continue taking an NSAID (such as aspirin) due to other medical conditions, such as heart disease. In such cases, we definitely need to take some steps to minimize the damage to the stomach.
- Take the medicine with food or milk: Never take this medicine on an empty stomach. Always take the medicine with a main meal or a glass of milk. This can reduce the effect on the stomach.
- Stomach-protecting medications: Your doctor may prescribe an NSAID along with other medications that control stomach acidity and protect the stomach lining.
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Medications such as Omeprazole and Pantoprazole.
- H2 Receptor Antagonists: Medicines such as Famotidine and Ranitidine.
- Cytotec: A drug specifically designed to protect the stomach walls.
Warning signs to watch out for!
If you have had to take an NSAID, be very aware of these signs that could indicate a problem. If any of these occur, see a doctor immediately. You may be referred to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
| Symptom | Description and its meaning |
|---|---|
| Increased stomach pain | Sharp or severe pain that is different from normal gastritis pain. |
| Nausea and vomiting | Persistent nausea or vomiting. Sometimes there may be blood in the vomit. |
| Black stools | Passing tarry, dark black stools is a major sign of bleeding in the intestines. |
| Loss of appetite and weight loss | Loss of appetite and weight loss for no reason. |
| Extreme fatigue | Anemia (low blood count) occurs due to blood loss from the body, causing constant fatigue. |
A few other important points
Alcohol and painkillers - a dangerous combination!
Many painkillers are not compatible with alcohol. Even if you drink alcohol once a week while taking an NSAID (including aspirin), your risk of bleeding from the stomach or intestines increases significantly. People who drink alcohol three or more times a day should not use these medications at all. Also, taking paracetamol and alcohol together increases the risk of serious liver damage.
Be aware of what is contained in every medicine.
Painkillers can be hidden in places we don't even think about. For example, some cold and cough medicine packets from pharmacies also contain painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Imagine, someone with gastritis drinks something like Alka-Seltzer for a stomach ache. Even though it's an antacid, it contains aspirin. That's like putting aspirin on a wound and making it worse. So, before taking any medicine, read the ingredients.
Tell the doctor everything you take!
This is the most important thing. Before your doctor prescribes a new medication for you, he or she should be aware of everything you are currently taking. Some medications can cause side effects when taken together. For example, NSAIDs can increase the risk of stomach bleeding when taken with certain corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) or blood thinners (e.g., warfarin/Coumadin).
When you go to see your doctor, bring a complete list of these things:
- Prescription drugs
- Over-the-counter drugs
- Traditional medicine (decoctions, arishta, pills, etc.)
- Vitamins and other nutritional supplements
"Bringing a list of every medication, vitamin, and supplement you take to your doctor could help save your life."
Take-Home Message
- If you have a stomach ulcer or gastritis, avoid taking NSAID painkillers (e.g., Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac).
- Paracetamol is a safer option for pain. But consult your doctor before taking any medication.
- If you have to take an NSAID on the recommendation of a doctor, always take it with food or milk.
- Always be on the lookout for warning signs like increased stomach pain and black stools. If you notice any of these signs, see a doctor immediately.
- Avoid drinking alcohol with painkillers. It can be very dangerous.
- It is essential to provide your doctor with a complete description of all medications, vitamins, and traditional medicines you are taking.
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