Which medication class assists in the healing of GI ulcers by reducing hydrochloric acid secretion?

The correct answer is the medication class known as H2 receptor antagonists. These drugs work by blocking the action of histamine on H2 receptors located in the stomach lining, which leads to a decrease in the production of hydrochloric acid. By reducing the amount of acid, H2 receptor antagonists help to heal gastric ulcers and prevent their recurrence.

Proton pump inhibitors, while also effective in reducing gastric acid secretion, function differently by inhibiting the proton pump in the stomach lining that produces acid. Antacids neutralize existing stomach acid rather than reducing its production, and antibiotics target bacterial infections rather than directly addressing acid secretion or healing ulcers. Therefore, H2 receptor antagonists are specifically designed to target the mechanism of acid secretion, making them the most appropriate choice for promoting the healing of gastrointestinal ulcers.