I have a history of duodenal ulcers. Recently, my doctor gave me Prevacid for my symptoms. I am to take 30mg after each meal. I would like to take deglycerinated licorice because I understand it has been used in Europe for some time to strengthen the walls of the stomach and intestines against acid. I also understand that Prevacid is designed to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach. Would there be any danger in taking both of these medications?

Cece

I am not aware of any therapeutic benefit of deglycerinated licorice in the treatment or prevention of peptic ulcers, which are ulcers in the stomach and duodenum related to acid. So, I would not recommend taking this product for your condition, either with or without Prevacid.

Peptic ulcers are usually caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori and/or the use of aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If H. pylori is present, the standard therapy for peptic ulcers includes antibiotic treatment. Ulcer patients taking NSAIDs are encouraged to stop these medications or to take other drugs for pain.

As you mention, another important part of treatment for peptic ulcers includes drugs to promote ulcer healing. Such medications, which suppress the stomach's ability to make acid, include the H2-blocker class of drugs, such as cimetidine (Tagamet) and ranitidine (Zantac). A newer and more potent class of acid-suppressive drugs is the proton-pump inhibitors; these include omeprazole (Prilosec) and lansoprazole (Prevacid). Patients usually have to take these medications only once a day to effectively block production of stomach acid.