Proton pump inhibitors are widely recognized as the most effective agents for treating GERD.
Prescription-strength treatments for GERD include: Prescription-strength proton pump inhibitors. These include esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), rabeprazole (Aciphex) and dexlansoprazole (Dexilant).
PPI have minimal side effects and few slight drug interactions and are considered safe for long term treatment. Pantoprazole is significantly effective both for acute and long-term treatment with excellent control of relapse and symptoms. It is well tolerated even for long-term therapy and its tolerability is optimal.
Examples include omeprazole (e.g. Losec), esomeprazole (e.g. Nexium), rabeprazole (e.g. Pariet), pantoprazole (e.g. Somac) and lansoprazole (e.g. Zoton FasTabs). Your doctor may trial you on this medicine for 4 to 8 weeks to see if your symptoms improve.
H2 receptor antagonists are the first-line agents for patients with mild to moderate symptoms and grades I-II esophagitis. Options include cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), and nizatidine (Axid).
Meanwhile, certain home remedies and lifestyle changes may help you get rid of GERD for good. You can try avoiding trigger foods and lying down after eating, losing excess weight, exercising, and quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol, if applicable. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to cure GERD.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
You can buy PPIs over the counter, or your doctor can prescribe one. Doctors may prescribe PPIs for long-term GERD treatment. PPIs are generally safe and effective. Side effects are uncommon and may include headache, diarrhea, and upset stomach.
Various antacid preparations are available. Doctors often recommend preparations that contain: antacid plus alginate (e.g. Gaviscon, Mylanta Heartburn Relief); or. magnesium hydroxide plus aluminium hydroxide (e.g. Mylanta, Gastrogel).
Gaviscon Regular Strength Tablets has an average rating of 5.8 out of 10 from a total of 5 ratings on Drugs.com. 50% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 50% reported a negative effect. Mylanta has an average rating of 10.0 out of 10 from a total of 2 ratings on Drugs.com.
Oral pantoprazole is an effective treatment option for the initial treatment of nonerosive GERD or erosive esophagitis. It is most effective for healing erosive esophagitis when administered at a dose of 40 mg once daily (van Rensburg et al 1996; Richter and Bochenek 2000).
If not treated, GERD can lead to more serious health problems. In some cases, you might need medicines or surgery. However, many people can improve their symptoms of GERD through self-care and lifestyle changes.
Or try an over-the-counter H2 blocker, such as famotidine (Pepcid AC) or ranitidine (Zantac 75). They tend to cause fewer side effects and are typically cheaper than PPIs. This generic is available without a prescription and is our top pick.
When your acid reflux symptoms are not being controlled by medication, it's time to see a gastroenterologist to discuss your options, specialists say.
Antacids provide fast heartburn relief. They start to work in seconds* to neutralize stomach acid, making your stomach contents less acidic and reducing the chances that acidic liquid will leak into your esophagus (the muscular tube that connects your mouth and stomach).
“Most people can manage GERD with over-the-counter or prescription medications and a few lifestyle changes. Surgery is often the last resort when medications no longer relieve symptoms,” Dr. Olson says. “Surgery can also be considered as an alternative to a lifetime of medications."
Are there other medicines similar to Gaviscon? Yes, Acidex and Peptac are similar to Gaviscon. These medicines are reflux suppressants. They work in the same way as Gaviscon, by reducing acid in your stomach and preventing excess acid escaping into your food pipe.
Magnesium Oxide
Benefits: Helps relieve indigestion, heartburn and constipation. Additionally, there is some evidence that it may also help prevent migraines but the research on this is limited; consult with a doctor before using it for this purpose.
Gaviscon Advance's extra strength formulation has twice the concentration of sodium alginate - forming a strong and resilient 'raft' in the process. The liquid formulation does not contain sugar or gluten and can be taken during pregnancy or breast-feeding.
Acid reflux can cause a burning sensation in the throat and chest. Drinking water, low fat milk, and herbal teas may help manage it.
As chronic GERD continues untreated, the stomach acid can scar the lining of the esophagus. As the scar tissue increases, it makes the esophagus more narrow in certain spots. It becomes difficult to eat and drink and may lead to dehydration and weight loss.
Side Effects of Long-Term Use of Acid Reflux Medicines
In recent years, long-term PPI use has been linked to: Increased risk of stomach cancer: PPIs block the production of acid that can potentially damage the esophagus.
Dr. Chandra said that once a diagnosis of GERD has been established, it may become a lifelong condition that will need management. She added that it's best to identify certain causes of your symptoms and learn to avoid or control circumstances to alleviate or even prevent symptoms.
Ways of relieving the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) include avoiding food triggers, changes to dietary habits, sleeping with the head raised and using supplements, such as ginger.
Common signs and symptoms of GERD include: A burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), usually after eating, which might be worse at night or while lying down. Backwash (regurgitation) of food or sour liquid. Upper abdominal or chest pain.