Acid Reflux Drugs

The first step to controlling acid reflux and its symptoms is making lifestyle changes including avoiding triggers. Over-the-counter medications can also help manage symptoms. If they do not provide relief, your doctor may prescribe stronger, longer-acting medications to help control acid reflux.

Quick-Relief Medications

Quick-relief medications are fast-acting drugs that bring on fast relief from acid reflux symptoms. They are typically the first line of defense when acid reflux crops up. Some over the counter prescription medications can help children as well as adults. Ask your pediatrician. Quick-relief medications include:

Antacids

Antacids help neutralize stomach acid and are the first medication people reach for to combat heartburn and other mild GERD symptoms. They typically contain a combination of three basic salts—magnesium, calcium, and aluminum—that are combined with hydroxide or bicarbonate ions, and work to neutralize the acid in your stomach. However, antacids alone won't heal an inflamed esophagus damaged by stomach acid. Some antacids can cause side effects such as diarrhea or constipation. Some common antacids include:

• Alka-Seltzer
• Maalox
• Mylanta
• Riopan
• Rolaids
• Tums

Foaming agents

A foaming agent like Gaviscon can help prevent acid reflux by covering your stomach contents with a protective foam, effectively creating a shield between the stomach acid and the lower esophageal sphincter.

Long-Term Control Medications

Long-term control medications can be taken on a daily basis or as needed. They target acid production and in some cases help the esophagus heal from the inflammation and damage caused by stomach acid. Some of these drugs are over the counter but because the drugs work in different ways, consult your doctor who may prescribe a combination of them. These drugs include:

H2 receptor blockers

H2 receptor blockers, also known as H2 blockers, work by reducing acid production in the stomach. Although H2 receptor blockers don’t act as quickly as antacids, they provide longer relief. H2 blockers are available over the counter. If they do not relieve your symptoms, your doctor may recommend H2 receptor blockers in a prescription-strength form. These over-the-counter and prescription medications include:

• Cimetidine (Tagamet HB or Tagamet)
• Famotidine (Pepcid AC or Pepcid)
• Nizatidine (Axid AR or Axid)
• Ranitidine (Zantac 75 or Zantac)

Proton pump inhibitors

Proton pump inhibitors block acid production, allowing time for esophageal tissue damaged by stomach acid to heal. Proton pump inhibitors are available over the counter and by prescription. These medications include:

• Esomeprazole (Nexium)
• Lansoprazole (Prevacid 24 HR)
• Omeprazole (Prilosec Rx and Prilosec OTC)
• Pantoprazole (Protonix)
• Rabeprazole (Aciphex)

Prokinetic agents

Prokinetic agents, sometimes called promotility agents, help speed digestion. By helping your stomach empty more rapidly these drugs reduce the amount of time acid lingers in your stomach lessening the damage it does and heartburn. They can also help tighten the valve between the stomach and the esophagus (the lower esophageal sphincter or LES). Prokinetic agents have some side effects that include fatigue, depression, and anxiety, which can prevent people from staying on the medications long-term. These drugs include:

• Bethanechol (Urecholine)
• Metoclopramide (Reglan)