These drugs help reduce symptoms by neutralizing acid in your stomach. And they could get worse over time if left untreated. Heartburn that has not improved after 2 weeks of treatment with OTC medicines. Bleeding risk from using OTC antacids that contain aspirin. Sodium Bicarbonate is an OTC medication that assists with neutralizing the levels of acid in your stomach due to its alkaline pH properties, which can help relieve heartburn. If you have GERD, you probably need a PPI. Some reported adverse side effects of PPIs include: A person can purchase OTC drugs in a pharmacy or store. On average, less than 10% of GERD patients have some form of esophageal cancer. Developed in cooperation with the American Gastroenterological Association. There are also some medications that can cause GERD or make the symptoms of GERD worse. Lying down after eating may cause food to back up into the esophagus causing heartburn and indigestion. Talk with your doctor before taking them for longer than two weeks. Doctors often suggest antacids as a first treatment to help soothe minor heartburn. Similar to Pepcid, the common side effects produced are only a headache and abdominal pain. TUMS work by neutralizing the acid present within the stomach, which aids in taking away heartburn. Let your doctor know how the OTC medicines work for you. Jaynes M, et al. If you need a PPI, taking a low dose for less than a year is probably safe. All rights reserved. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. PPIs reduce calcium absorption and increase your risk for osteoporosis. The most common side effects of Sodium Bicarbonate include gas, bloating, cramps, and increased thirst. Typically, Nexium is taken every day for anywhere from 10 days to six months. Be sure to talk with your doctor before combining any OTC treatments for GERD with other medications. The most common side effects of Nexium include abdominal pain, which occurs in 5% of individuals, followed by constipation in 2% of people. Even though this disorder can be painful and irritating, it can be effectively controlled. Do not use more than 1 antacid or acid reducer at a time, unless your doctor says its okay. Typically, Maalox should be taken after meals or around bedtime. Trouble absorbing calcium and vitamin B12. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. If you take Plavix, talk to your doctor about whether you should take a PPI. Mylicon was specifically designed to soothe discomfort from gas, acid, indigestion, overeating, and bloating. (n.d.). Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. TUMS is also a great option because they tend to work instantly. If a person is unsure about which treatment will work for them, they should contact a healthcare professional. However, combining them can cause side effects such as diarrhea or constipation in some cases. Relaxing your body, and especially your bowels and intestines, can help you to pass gas. Doctors advise that children the age of six should only use Sodium Bicarbonate as a medication if prescribed. These side effects are more common if you use antacids frequently. Take them according to the directions on the package or as advised by your doctor. Whether from motion sickness, illness, or a hangover, vomiting can often be treated at home. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. See below for the suggested doses of Mylicon to give your child. Through this low cost, individuals who suffer from heartburn can seek medical help at an affordable price. There are some adverse side effects associated with antacids that vary depending on what the main ingredient is. Are there any health conditions that prevent me from taking OTC medicines. Antacids typically work within minutes of taking them, offering more immediate relief than other treatments. In this article, we detail the different OTC treatments available for GERD, how they help, and when you should see a doctor. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the package of your antacid. Pepsin is an enzyme involved in protein digestion in the stomach. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. If you have significant reflux, your doctor also may test you for the bacteria H. pylori prior to trying you on PPIs. Antacids sometimes cause side effects such as diarrhea and constipation. Pepcid Complete combines the acid-neutralizing capability of an antacid and the acid-reducing actions of an H2 blocker. Last medically reviewed on September 20, 2021, There is concern that coffee and tea can cause heartburn and aggravate acid reflux. Unfortunately, heartburn is a medical issue that bothers many women at a higher incidence during pregnancy. If you make lifestyle changes and your symptoms dont improve within a few weeks, your doctor may suggest you try OTC treatments. The risks of long-term Use of proton pump inhibitors: a critical review. If youre taking OTC ranitidine, stop taking the drug and talk with your doctor about alternative options. The difficult part is narrowing down which is best for you. This unique flexibility of Pepcid allows it to be relatively accessible for all patients while also being capable of coming in higher doses for those who need more intense care. Anyone can get indigestion. This procedure examines the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine. Association of proton pump inhibitors with risk of dementia: A pharmacoepidemiological claims data analysis. These might include: Changes in your daily habits may help reduce GERD symptoms. Some people may use a combination of antacids, H2 blockers, and PPIs to manage acid reflux and prevent recurrences. Additionally, individuals who are pregnant or overweight may also have a higher risk of experiencing heartburn. People tend to tolerate these drugs well. Typically, doctors recommend only using it when symptoms first appear temporarily. Certain foods and beverages can trigger heartburn in individuals. Talk to your doctor if: This report is for you to use when talking with your healthcare provider. Thus, if you continue to experience symptoms for up to two weeks following your initial date of taking Maalox, you may need a stronger heartburn medication. However these changes may not work for everyone. You have been treated for a Clostridium difficile (C. This is because other issues could harm the body if the body becomes too alkaline. diff.) However, they provide less immediate relief than antacids. These can increase your risk of certain health conditions, such as osteoporosis, kidney disease, and dementia. How to Cut Calories and Heartburn, Avoiding Common Heartburn Triggers: What to Know, Relieve Heartburn: 9 Hints for the Holidays, Common Heartburn Triggers: What You Should Know. The most common side effects of Maalox include constipation and diarrhea. Other early symptoms include headache, burning, tingling, numbness, or itchiness of skin, fever, and feeling of being generally unwell. 2005-2022 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Before taking any medication, make sure you know the side effects and the allotted amount of time you should take it. Side effects include constipation, diarrhea, changes in the color of bowel movements, and stomach cramps. If these medications don't relieve your symptoms, or if your heartburn symptoms get worse or last for longer than 2 weeks, you should see your doctor. These include a variety of OTC options. Having too much hydrochloric acid can cause GERD, along with a variety of other conditions. Histamine is a chemical that stimulates cells in the stomach lining. The severity of your GERD symptoms will help to indicate which OTC treatment is best for you. Heartburn is the result of acid reflux, which occurs when stomach acid flows up into the esophagus. Typically, they start to work within an 1 to 3 hours of when you take them. Available in 45+ states. You should not use antacids daily or to treat severe symptoms. Acid reflux (GER & GERD) in adults. It is not a substitute for medical advice and treatment. If you use the tablets, chew them well before swallowing for faster relief. Long-term acid reflux may lead to GERD, which is a more chronic form of acid reflux. PPIs may increase the risk that your infection returns. PPIs come in pill form. However, it is worth noting that most of these reports lack significant evidence, and determining their validity would require more research. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. For most people, a combination of medication and lifestyle changes are enough to control or eliminate GERD symptoms, but if they are not successful, there are surgical procedures that can be performed. This is in addition to making lifestyle changes. Last medically reviewed on April 22, 2021, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is long-term, regular acid reflux. However, individuals who use Sodium Bicarbonate to help with heartburn should use it with care. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject. To obtain access to some of these prescription forms of heartburn medication, consider signing up for Mira, an affordable alternative to health insurance that allows you to get up to 80% off on prescriptions. These drugs take longer to start working but can prevent heartburn for several hours. FDA requests removal of all ranitidine products (Zantac) from the market. By joining Mira today, you will have access to up to 80% off prescriptions, lab testings, and urgent care visits. Nexium is prescribed frequently as 40 mg. These cells contain the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme, which is involved in acid secretion in the stomach. What are the side effects and risks of these OTC medicines? To better grasp heartburn and the medications available, take a look at these commonly asked questions and answers below. Famotidine is in the same class as ranitidine and works the same way but has not been found to contain unacceptable levels of NDMA. Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are drugs you can buy without a doctors prescription. Be sure to ask your doctor any questions you may have. In more severe or recurrent heartburn cases, PPIs are typically more effective than H2 blockers in treating GERD. Should you experience severe or recurrent GERD symptoms, you may wish to take either H2 blockers or PPIs. Talk to your doctor if you have symptoms such as trouble swallowing, weight loss, or chest pain. However, if OTC medications do not resolve your symptoms, or symptoms frequently return, you should speak with a doctor. In Maalox, Simethicone is used to help destroy gas bubbles within the gut, and aluminum and magnesium work to reduce acid levels in the stomach. H2 blockers and PPIs reduce the amount of stomach acid your body produces, so theyre more helpful if youre experiencing heartburn frequently. Association between proton-pump inhibitors and dementia? Prilosec OTC prices tend to vary, from being $18.44 on Amazon to $85.90 on Walmart. Antacids and acid reducers rarely cause side effects. Keep medicines in a cool, dry place. We have compiled a list of the best heartburn medications for different needs to analyze these components better. These include but are not limited to spicy foods, onions, citrus products, chocolate, peppermint, alcohol, and fried foods. Other OTC medications help treat GERD symptoms by reducing the amount of acid your stomach makes. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. There are a number of antacids available over the counter from a variety of brands, including: Although antacids can treat mild symptoms of GERD, a person should not use these drugs to treat more severe symptoms without first discussing this with a healthcare professional. 2017 Consumer Reports. Obesity also promotes GERD due to excess weight in the abdominal area. Antacids are able to treat mild heartburn, indigestion, and mild GERD symptoms. Pepcid is an H2 blocker that works by lowering the levels of acid produced in the stomach. Some offer immediate relief, while others help to prevent symptoms from returning. Antacids contain aluminum, magnesium, calcium, or some combination of these substances. There are three main classes of heartburn medications: antacids, histamine-2 (H2) blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Heartburn is a burning feeling in the lower chest, along with a sour taste in the throat and mouth., Indigestion happens when your body has trouble digesting food. Mylicon has an active ingredient, Simethicone, that gently breaks up gas bubbles in the stomach. Some antacids also contain simethicone, an ingredient that helps your body get rid of gas. Antacids are typically the first-choice treatment for relieving mild heartburn. The doctor will look for signs of problems such as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). These work by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces. If these don't help enough, talk to your doctor about what else might help -- in addition to lifestyle changes. If you dont have a pre-existing medical condition and look into the best OTC medication, Prilosec might be for you. In people age 75 and older, a higher risk of dementia. Getting Started Lists of Recommendations Search Patient Resources Adult, Geriatric Treating Heartburn and GERD. Famotidine is best taken with a glass of water. He or she can help you find Acid reflux is common and can occur after eating too much, eating certain foods, or lying down after eating. The doctor may prescribe them prescription drugs that can be stronger or come in larger doses. These different forms of heartburn medications all have unique benefits, side effects, and each one tends to be better suited for specific health condition needs. There are a number of OTC GERD medications available, including: H2 blockers are sometimes called H2 receptor blockers or H2 receptor antagonists. You can get relief from a less powerful drug. This procedure delivers patient outcomes like those by conventional anti-reflux surgery (ARS) procedures, but is less invasive, has fewer adverse effects, and does not limit future treatment options. If a person experiences acid reflux more than twice per week, they may have GERD. They can then recommend a suitable course of action. As a result, they can prevent symptoms from coming back. These drugs can treat GERD, gastric or duodenal ulcers, gastric hypersecretion, and mild heartburn or indigestion. This reduces the amount of acid that they are able to secrete. an increased risk of a number of infections, including food-borne infections, stomach acid levels rising to levels higher than they were before, if a person stops taking the medication, an increased risk of some vitamin deficiencies. Rx: delayed-release capsules, suspension, packets, injection, Source: https://www.singlecare.com/blog/nexium-vs-prilosec/. However, little scientific, NSAIDs are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce inflammation and relieve pain. There are many over-the-counter (OTC) treatments available for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, GERD is usually linked to other causes and risk factors. TUMS is also available OTC at a relatively cheap cost ranging anywhere from $1.98 at Walmart to $23.68 on Amazon, making this option enticing for pregnant individuals. Heartburn is a complex medical issue that may cause many individuals to know that they are experiencing heartburn. These include: There are a number of ways to treat the symptoms of GERD. Antacids often work quickly, which means that they offer more immediate relief from the symptoms of GERD than other OTC drugs. If you believe you will need a prescription for heartburn medication, Mira could be a great avenue for you to obtain this medical care. They keep the stomach from making too much acid. H2 blockers reduce the amount of acid produced in your stomach to lower your risk of heartburn. Your doctor may want to see if gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is the cause of your symptoms. By neutralizing the acid in your stomach, these drugs can provide relief of the immediate effects of heartburn. The main causes of heartburn include acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a chronic form of acid reflux. If you find this is the case for you, try to eat at least three hours before going to bed or lying down and dont have an after-dinner snack. A 2016 study found a possible link between dementia and PPI use in people older than age 75. However, it recently became available for 20 mg doses of OTC at an affordable price. Do not store medicines in bathrooms, which often are hot and humid. Higher risk of kidney disease, or kidney disease that gets worse. Ask to start with a low dose of generic prescription lansoprazole or omeprazole. How much medicine can I take and how often? Many people find that chocolate and foods that are high in fat are particularly troublesome. Occasionally, long-term use of heartburn medication can be associated with a higher chance of having dementia, chronic kidney disease, or heart attacks. You may need a stronger prescription medicine and tests to see what's causing your symptoms. GERD can sometimes cause enzymes from the stomach to enter the middle ear, which may lead to tinnitus. 2004-2022 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Copyright American Academy of Family Physicians. Symptoms can include burning in the chest, chest pain, regurgitation of food into the mouth, and difficulty swallowing. Examples of H2 blockers available over the counter include: Note: The H2 blocker ranitidine,which was in older Zantac products,was removed from the market in 2020 after it wasfound to contain a cancer-causing agent. Theyre safe to use for short-term relief of minor discomfort. Dont assume youre fine if something doesnt seem quite right. Use of this report is at your own risk. However, a review of the study has cast doubt on its methods, and claims that no adequate cause and effect link exists at this time. Learn more about the OTC options for treating GERD. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557385/, https://www.fda.gov/drugs/news-events-human-drugs/bleeding-risk-using-otc-antacids-contain-aspirin, https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/related-conditions/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547929/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525994/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526049/, https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults/symptoms-causes, https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults/treatment, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3710614/, Displacement and health: 'The anti-immigrant rhetoric needs to stop', Type 2 diabetes: 10-hour eating window may improve blood sugar, Gut disorders and Alzheimer's: Scientists find genetic link, LGBTQ youth: Discrimination trauma may increase suicide risk by more than 3 times, In Conversation: The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cure, GERD (persistent acid reflux): Symptoms, treatments, and causes. (2016). Omeprazole, commonly known as Prilosec, is a PPI that reduces the quantity of food-digesting acid made by the cells within the lining of your stomach. (2018). Non-prescription medications used to treat heartburn include: Antacids neutralize stomach acid to cut down on heartburn, sour stomach, acid indigestion, and stomach upset. On average, after taking Pepcid, individuals report noticing relief of heartburn within an hour, and typically, the effects of famotidine last for 10 to 12 hours after an initial dose. To combat these symptoms, OTC antacids such as Calcium Carbonate (TUMS) tend to be best. We avoid using tertiary references. When taking Prilosec OTC, you only have to take one pill per day for 14 days. Yoga aids in relaxation throughout the entire body. There are some reported adverse side effects associated with PPIs. The proton-pump inhibitors esomeprazole (Nexium 24HR), lansoprazole (Prevacid 24HR), and omeprazole (Prilosec OTC) are sold over-the-counter to treat frequent heartburn (two or more times per week) for 14 days. These drugs are called PPIs (proton pump inhibitors). 2005 - 2022 WebMD LLC. Pepcid is also a medication that can be purchased OTC or as a prescription. Additionally, you could wear loose clothing, chew gum, or try sipping apple cider vinegar. (2018). There are various steps you could take to relieve heartburn without medication. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, the doctor may suggest a prescription medicine. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, U.S. Monkeypox Vaccine Demand Exceeds Supply, New National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or Text 988, Dr. Whyte's Book: Take Control of Your Diabetes Risk, Artificial Intelligence to Spot the Red Flags ofSuicide Risk, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Combination Antacid/Acid Reducer for Heartburn, Eating Out? Food or acid often come back up into your throat. Use of this report is at your own risk. Tell your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms. Medications with magnesium can interfere with contractions later on in pregnancies, and antacids with high sodium levels can cause a high level of fluid buildup in tissues. Esomeprazole, commonly known as Nexium, is a PPI used to combat GERD and, therefore, heartburn by reducing the creation of acid in the stomach. It comes from acid backing up from your stomach to your throat. Heres our process. GERD is a long-term condition wherein stomach acid regularly comes up into a persons esophagus. These include an increased risk of pneumonia, bone fracture, and, rarely, hypomagnesemia (low magnesium levels) that may be life-threatening. What lifestyle changes could reduce my symptoms? Certain prescription-strength medications, such as prescription PPIs, can also help heal damage to the esophagus caused by acid reflux. Your doctor can suggest changes that might work for you, such as: OTC medications are often the first line of action against GERD. In most cases, you dont need a PPI for heartburn. The most common side effects of famotidine include a headache or gastrointestinal pain (constipation, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain). Heartburn is a condition that 60 million Americans experience at least once per month. These drugs typically fall into three categories, antacids, H2 blockers, and PPIs. This recommendation was made because unacceptable levels of NDMA, a probable carcinogen (cancer-causing chemical), were found in some ranitidine products. Would a prescription GERD medication work better for me? ReadMore. Another factor that may play an important part in GERD is the positioning of the body after eating, especially a large meal. Be sure you have a good reason to take the PPI, and take it This form of heartburn medication only works on existing stomach acid. Am I taking any medications that might interact with an OTC medication? Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition where acid in the stomach flows back into the esophagus causing irritation of its lining. This article will discuss some of the OTC treatments for GERD, how they work, and their side effects. Maalox usually works within five minutes of consumption. Ranitidine, brand name Zantac, is now marketed as Zantac 360, which contains a different active ingredient (famotidine). However, if youre currently pregnant, you may opt to start with TUMS. You can also get these medicines over the counter. Learn what causes it, and what treatment options are available. These seven best heartburn medications include: If youre in search of a strong relief from heartburn that is relatively cost-effective, Famotidine (commonly known as Pepcid) may be the right option for you. For most children, Mylicon starts working in just minutes following consumption. While diet doesnt cause GERD, certain foods can aggravate the symptoms. Trouble swallowing or pain when you swallow. If you are worried about cost, talk to your doctor. Learn more. You may wonder if an OTC or prescription GERD medication would be better for you. For an OTC pack of Pepcid, the average cost is typically under $10. (n.d.). Prescription medications can provide stronger relief from GERD symptoms. H2 blockers work by lowering the amount of hydrochloric acid in a persons stomach. The OTC H2 blockers include: H2 blockers can cause side effects such as: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) block acid production in your stomach. Over time, this can damage the esophagus, leading to a condition known as Barretts esophagus, which is typically a precursor to esophageal cancer. Heres why: More than half of the people who take PPIs probably do not need them. If the heartburn gets better after a few weeks, talk to your doctor about gradually lowering your dose. (2021). Stretta therapy is a minimally invasive procedure that significantly reduces GERD symptoms, allowing most patients to eliminate or largely decrease use of PPIs. What type of OTC medicine is best for me to relieve heartburn and acid reflux? They do this by binding to the histamine receptors. The only downside TUMS presents is that they tend to wear off quickly. The statement claims that these products come with a risk of serious bleeding that is particularly dangerous for people over 60 years of age. This causes a person to feel a burning pain in the lower chest area, or heartburn. However, they can provide longer symptom relief, lasting 8 to 12 hours. The only main side effects associated with TUMS are belching and gas. A persons stomach contains parietal cells. Despite the slightly higher cost than Pepcid, Prilosec OTC provides long-term relief from heartburn following the 14 days. This means they act more slowly than antacids. Antacids also inhibit the production of pepsin in the body. Some antacids contain ingredients that can cause diarrhea, such as magnesium, or constipation, such as aluminum. H2 blockers are available OTC and by prescription. This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Store all medicines up and away, out of reach and sight of young children.
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