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Diagnosed With Duodenal Ulcer And Gastritis. Can I Take Tylenol And Tramadol For Arthritis Pain?

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Posted on Thu, 26 Sep 2013
Question: Recently diagnosed with duodenal ulcer and gastritis probably caused from nsaid use - what can I safely take for arthritis pain - Tylenol, tramadol?
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (44 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Either can be used, do not affect the stomach

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

NSAIDS cause gastritis because they affect a particular enzyme abbreviated COX-1.
These drugs inhibit this enzyme and by doing so reduce the amount of a substance called prostaglandins.
These prostaglandins play a very important role in protecting the lining of the stomach from damage.

So because the NSAIDS reduce the prostagladin levels, they cause the stomach to become damaged and gastritis can occur.

Tramadol and tylenol do not act in this way. They both have mechanisms of action that vary from the NSAIDS ,so neither of these would causes gastritis.
Tramadol can cause nausea and for this reason is sometimes combined with an anti emetic medication.

Tylenol would work best if taken on an empty stomach.

YOu can use either,the tylenol would be for mild pain whereas the tramadol would more effectively treat moderate or severe pain.

I hope this helps,feel free to ask any additional questions
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Diagnosed With Duodenal Ulcer And Gastritis. Can I Take Tylenol And Tramadol For Arthritis Pain?

Brief Answer:
Either can be used, do not affect the stomach

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

NSAIDS cause gastritis because they affect a particular enzyme abbreviated COX-1.
These drugs inhibit this enzyme and by doing so reduce the amount of a substance called prostaglandins.
These prostaglandins play a very important role in protecting the lining of the stomach from damage.

So because the NSAIDS reduce the prostagladin levels, they cause the stomach to become damaged and gastritis can occur.

Tramadol and tylenol do not act in this way. They both have mechanisms of action that vary from the NSAIDS ,so neither of these would causes gastritis.
Tramadol can cause nausea and for this reason is sometimes combined with an anti emetic medication.

Tylenol would work best if taken on an empty stomach.

YOu can use either,the tylenol would be for mild pain whereas the tramadol would more effectively treat moderate or severe pain.

I hope this helps,feel free to ask any additional questions