What do antiulcer medications primarily do?

Antiulcer medications primarily work by reducing acid production in the stomach. These medications are essential for managing conditions like peptic ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where excessive stomach acid can lead to pain and damage to the lining of the stomach and esophagus. By lowering the amount of acid produced, these medications promote healing of the gastric tissue and help alleviate symptoms associated with hyperacidity.

This reduction in acid not only aids in the healing of existing ulcers but also prevents the formation of new ulcers by ensuring that the stomach lining is not overstimulated by acid production. Common classes of antiulcer medications, such as proton pump inhibitors and H2 receptor antagonists, specifically target the cells in the stomach that produce acid, thereby effectively managing the conditions they are designed to treat.