The Most Common Medications For Treating Acid Reflux
The doctor may describe what type of medication for your acid reflux after considering things like age, pre-existing diseases, side effects and what stage of life you’re at.
Different medications do different things. Some will reduce the acid created, some will improve muscle performance in the stomach area and some will help to clear the stomach. Most medications are available over the counter but you should still check with the doctor before you take anything.
Most people will use antacids which are most common. They contain magnesium, calcium or aluminum salts. They usually work the best in hydroxide or bicarbonate form and are used to neutralize the acid in the stomach. There are side effects from these medications such as constipation (from aluminum) and diarrhea (from magnesium). People with pre-existing diseases such as diabetes need to be careful when taking these over the counter medications containing magnesium salts. A combination of diabetic medication along with episodes of diarrhea can be life threatening.
You can also buy a product called Gaviscon which is a foaming agent. It produces a type of foam that coats the acid reflux and stops it from coming back through the Esopheal Sphincter.
Medications we hear of, frequently, like Pepcid, Zantac etc, come under the category H2 blockers. These drugs actually decrease acid production. Cimetidine ,Pepcid, nizatidine, and Zantac come in this category. and fifty percent of Acid Reflux sufferers find relief from these medications. It is , however, advisable at all times to fix the dosage in consultation with your doctor, and avoid trial and error methods.
Then we have what are called Proton Pump Inhibitors drugs that differ and cause long-lasting reduction of gastric acid production. They are the most potent medications available. Prilosec, Zegerid, Prevacid, Protonix, Aciphex, Nexium, are all-available by prescription. Proton pump inhibitors are more effective than H2 blockers.
Prokinetics will help to strengthen the Lower Sphincter and clear the stomach quicker. They are unpopular as they have many side effects such as depression, anxiety, fatigue, sleeplessness and co-ordination etc.
Generally your doctor will treat you with various drugs depending on your own unique situation.
