Update in the pharmacological management of peptic ulcer haemorrhage

The management of peptic ulcer haemorrhage still poses questions and controversies and this applies to the pharmacological mode. This review suggests that high-dose acid suppression is beneficial in reducing rebleeding and surgery rates. The choice of acid suppressant is far from conclusive, but emerging evidence suggests that proton pump inhibitors may be more effective than H2-antagonists. The only other drug which may be useful in selected patients is octreotide, but its universal use cannot be recommended.