Which class of medications is commonly used to reduce acid secretion in peptic ulcer treatment?

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are the primary class of medications used to significantly reduce gastric acid secretion in the treatment of peptic ulcers. They work by irreversibly inhibiting the proton pump in the parietal cells of the stomach lining, which is responsible for the final step in the production of gastric acid. This leads to a pronounced decrease in acid secretion, allowing for better healing of the ulcerated tissue and providing symptomatic relief from acid-related discomfort.

H2 receptor blockers also effectively reduce gastric acid secretion but are generally less potent than proton pump inhibitors. They work by blocking histamine at the H2 receptors on the gastric parietal cells, which decreases the stimulation of acid secretion. While they are indeed used in peptic ulcer treatment, they aren’t the first-line option compared to PPIs, especially in cases that require more significant acid suppression.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are not used to treat peptic ulcers; in fact, they can contribute to ulcer formation and exacerbation by disrupting the gastric mucosal barrier and promoting acid secretion. Antacids provide symptomatic relief by neutralizing existing stomach acid but do not reduce acid secretion effectively.

In summary, while both classes – Proton Pump Inhib