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Duodenal Ulcer

A duodenal ulcer is a sore in the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. It is one form of peptic ulcer, the group that also includes ulcers in the stomach. Symptoms differ from person to person, and treatment is chosen to match the cause.

Medicine used to treat Duodenal Ulcer

Cytotec

Misoprostol

100 · 200mcg

Misoprostol tablets are sold as Cytotec for gastric and duodenal ulcers and to prevent peptic ulcers caused by NSAIDs. Several strengths and pack sizes are available, and prices are given per tablet.

FromUS$0.91/ tabletView

Key points

  • Abdominal pain is the most common symptom of a peptic ulcer.
  • Many people who have a peptic ulcer have no symptoms at all.
  • Treatment depends on what is causing the ulcer and usually lasts from 1 week to 2 months.

What a duodenal ulcer is

The duodenum follows directly after the stomach. An ulcer is a sore in the lining at this point, and because it belongs to the same family as stomach ulcers it is classed as a peptic ulcer. Sores in the stomach itself are called gastric ulcers; duodenal ulcers take their name from where they sit in the small intestine.

Symptoms

Pain in the abdomen is what usually prompts someone to seek help. It can be dull or burning, and it may come and go over time rather than staying steady. Not everyone has pain, and an ulcer can be present without causing any noticeable symptoms.

How it is treated

The cause shapes the treatment, and a course commonly runs between one week and two months. Cytotec tablets contain misoprostol and are listed for duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer and peptic ulcer prophylaxis, in strengths of 100 mcg and 200 mcg. Orders are prepared by licensed pharmacy partners in India and shipped to Malaysia in discreet packaging.

When to see a doctor

Vomiting bright red blood, or vomit that looks like ground coffee, needs emergency help straight away. Stool that is black, sticky and very smelly, or that has blood in it, also needs urgent medical attention. Sudden, sharp or severe abdominal pain that does not go away should be treated as an emergency.

What the sources say

  • A duodenal ulcer is a sore in the intestine and counts as a type of peptic ulcer (NHS).
  • The pain may be dull or burning and may come and go over time (NIDDK).
  • Vomiting bright red blood, or vomit that looks like ground coffee, calls for emergency help (NHS).
  • Black, sticky, very smelly stool, or stool with blood in it, needs urgent medical attention (NHS).

Further reading

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