Which medication is commonly used to treat peptic ulcer disease?

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the primary class of medications used to treat peptic ulcer disease. They work by irreversibly blocking the proton pump in the stomach lining, which significantly reduces the production of gastric acid. This decreased acid secretion promotes healing of the ulcerated tissue and alleviates symptoms associated with peptic ulcers, such as pain and discomfort. PPIs are effective in managing the acid-related components of ulcers and are often used in conjunction with antibiotics to eradicate Helicobacter pylori, a common bacterial cause of peptic ulcers.

Other medications listed do not address the underlying problem of excessive acid production or the infection associated with many peptic ulcers. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever but does not have any effect on gastric acid secretion. Antibiotics are primarily used to treat bacterial infections, and prescribing them specifically for asthma is not relevant in the context of treating peptic ulcers. Insulin is used to manage blood sugar levels in diabetes and does not contribute to the treatment of peptic ulcers. Therefore, the choice of proton pump inhibitors is pivotal in the management of peptic ulcer disease.