Take antacids or acid reducers to relieve your symptoms of peptic ulcer.

• Antacids (such as Tums, Maalox, or Mylanta) reduce the amount of acid in your stomach.
• Acid reducers (such as Pepcid AC, Tagamet HB, Zantac 75, or Axid AR) reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces. Reducing the amount of acid in your stomach helps your ulcer heal. However, nonprescription acid reducers may not be able to heal an ulcer because the dose may be too low.

If you are taking antacids, you need frequent, large doses to do the job. Nonabsorbable antacids, such as Maalox and Mylanta, are best. The use of acid reducers may eliminate or cut back your need for an antacid.

If you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before choosing an antacid. Some antacids have a high salt (sodium) content.

See the Medications section of this topic for more information on using antacids.