OTC and Prescribed Acid Reflux Medicine

For the treatment of GERD, several Acid Reflux Medicine are made available to the patients which can be bought OTC or over-the-counter or with a prescription from a doctor. Treatment by medication is aimed at reducing the discomforts and pain associated with the arising symptoms due to the reflux of acid, thus avoiding further damage to the esophagus.

Over-the-counter acid reflux medicines are what easily comes into mind or is recommended by others to alleviate certain symptoms that indicates a quantity of the digestive acids and enzymes needed to break down the food contents in the stomach have leaked up into the esophagus. Being categorized as OTC, they are easily accessible and are ideal for a quick-relief.

Antacids

Occasional episodes of arising symptoms like mild dyspepsia or heartburn may be relieved by this type of Acid Reflux Medicine. Antacids work by neutralizing the digestive acids in the stomach while at the same time strengthening the defensive mechanism of the stomach prompting it to secrete more mucous and bicarbonate. Antacids have the following main components which may found in different combinations:

. Aluminium hydroxide
. Bismuth salts
. Calcium carbonate 
. Magnesium salts 
. Potassium bicarbonate 
. Sodium bicarbonate 

Though antacids act to provide quick-relief, the effect are short-term. There are also acid reflux patients who may be allergic to some ingredients of antacid and will show certain physiological reactions.

If, when taking OTC drugs or antacids, you still suffer from the same level of pain and discomforts for days or weeks then it is high time that you go to a doctor. The doctor will then prescribe an acid reflux medicine best suited for your case.

Proton Pump Inhibitors

This is the general term used to classify a group of acid reflux medicine that acts by blocking the functions of the proton pump of the stomach, thus the name. These stomach parts pumps or secretes hydrogen ions into the stomach, contributing to the acidity. Some of the generic groups that fall under this type include lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole, and esomeprazole.

H2 Blockers

Also known as Histamine2-receptor antagonists, these type of Acid Reflux Medicine can be both OTC and prescribed with higher doses needing the prescription from a doctor. H2 blockers work by immobilizing the functions if the histamine. Histamine is a chemical that triggers the release if the hydrogen ions into the stomach, making it more acidic. This type include ranitidine, nizatidine and cimetidine.