What medication is commonly prescribed for treating gastritis?

Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that works by reducing the amount of stomach acid produced by the glands in the lining of the stomach. This is particularly beneficial in treating gastritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach lining often accompanied by excessive acid production. By decreasing acid levels, omeprazole helps alleviate symptoms associated with gastritis, promotes healing of the stomach lining, and prevents further irritation.

In contrast, metformin is primarily used for managing type 2 diabetes and does not address conditions related to stomach inflammation. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can actually exacerbate gastritis symptoms by irritating the stomach lining. Amoxicillin is an antibiotic that may be used in cases of gastritis caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, but it is not a first-line treatment for gastritis itself. This makes omeprazole the most appropriate choice for managing gastritis, as it directly targets the underlying issue of excess gastric acid.