Acid Reflux Remedies Found in Grocery Store

Proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, are often used by people who suffer from acid reflux, GERD, ulcers or other gastrointestinal conditions. The majority of these treatments began as prescription drugs and are now available over the counter in drug and grocery stores. PPIs reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Other medications, like Mylanta, Tums, Pepto-Bismol and Rolaids are antacids and can neutralize stomach acid to provide immediate relief. PPIs provide relief like antacids but can sometimes take days to work effectively.

Pepcid®

• If you suffer from acid reflux (heatburn) after eating or stomach upset that is accompanied by a burning sensation under the breastbone, take Pepcid® and Pepcid® Plus. Take Pepcid® Extra Strength for more persistent reflux symptoms that occur twice a week or more. Pepcid® Extra Strength is also available in a soft chewable version.

  The active ingredient in Pepcid® is Famotidine--a drug that is a histamine-2 blocker. It works by decreasing stomach acid. Famotidine is also used to prevent and treat stomach and intestinal ulcers as well as GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease). Look for Pepcid® products in practically all grocery and drug stores. Generally generic versions of famotidine can be purchased at many grocery stores under their own name brand. For instance, Wal-Mart carries Famotidine under its "Equate" label.

Prevacid® 24-HOUR

• If overproduction of stomach acid is your problem, take Prevacid®. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of frequent heartburn, on May 18, 2009, and is the first and only PPI that is available over the counter in its original (prescription) form. Prevacid® comes in 24-hour tablets that contain lansoprazole (15 mg).

Nexium®

• You can find esomeprazole in a generic version in most grocery and discount stores. It is the active ingredient in Nexium® (also known as "the little purple pill"). Take it if you suffer from ulcers and GERD. Nexium® has been approved for use over a short term on children ages 1 through 11 who have acid reflux or GERD as well as for the treatment of H. Pylori (Helicobacter Pylori) infection. The active ingredient, esomeprazole, is similar in nature to omeprazole found in some other acid-relief medications.

Prilosec

• Take Prilosec for the treatment of GERD, acid reflux and other conditions which may result from stomach acid. It contains omeprozole which has been credited for promoting healing of the esophagus caused by excess stomach acid. Prilosec works over a period of time and should not be considered for immediate relief of heartburn symptoms. Prilosec should not be taken for more than 14 consecutive days with a 4-month lapse before beginning another 14-day regime. Omeprazole may also be found under the brand name Zegerid®.

  The 14-day period was determined in laboratory tests when rats developed gastrointestinal cancers. The drug has been used for more than a decade and has not been shown to be associated with any cancers in humans. Many doctors will prescribe Prilosec for several months or even years when the patient has a severe ulcer. This indicates that if there is a risk for taking the drug for more than 14 days, it is extremely minimal.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Water

• Apple cider vinegar is a long-standing remedy that people have used to fight acid reflux and heartburn along with other stomach problems. It works faster than some of the medications used to treat this condition, but not as fast as an antacid. The minerals and acetic acid in the apple cider vinegar neutralize the hydrochloric acid that the stomach produces.

  For relief of acid reflux symptoms, mix 2 or 3 tsp. apple cider vinegar and 8 oz. of water and drink it two to three times a day (before meals). Organic apple cider vinegar supposedly works the best and is probably the least expensive way of treating acid reflux.