Medication For Acid Reflux Relief

Acid reflux is a common medical condition with symptoms of heartburn and indigestion. It may be treated by a number of prescription medications and over-the-counter medications.

About Acid Reflux

• In the normal digestive process, food enters the mouth and travels down the esophagus into the stomach, where it is closed off by the lower esophageal sphincter. Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter opens, allowing stomach contents to flow upward into the esophagus. This causes symptoms of heartburn and indigestion. Chronic acid reflux is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease. It can lead to more serious medical problems such as bleeding, ulcers, scar tissue formation, narrowing of the esophagus and cellular damage leading to esophageal and stomach cancer.

Prescription Medications

• Prescription medications used for acid reflux work either by reducing the acid produced in the stomach or by decreasing the amount of time food is in the stomach. There are two ways to reduce acid production in the stomach: by blocking histamine, the chemical messenger which triggers acid release, or by blocking the pump which releases the acid. Histamine or H2 blockers such as Pepcid and Zantac work by blocking the histamine receptor that triggers the acid release. Proton pump inhibitors such as Prilosec and Nexium work by stopping the pump that produces acid in the stomach. Decreasing the acidity of the stomach contents helps stop the burning sensation and cell damage from acid reflux.

  Reglan is a medication that acts by speeding up the natural movement of the gastrointestinal system so that acidic stomach contents are moved into the intestine faster than normal. By speeding up this process, the acid in the stomach cannot reflux into the esophagus and cause pain and damage.

Over the Counter Medications

• Antacids such as calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide and milk of magnesia help neutralize stomach acid and relieve symptoms of acid reflux. Bismuth salicylate has antacid properties, reduces inflammation and may help to prevent ulcers. Non-prescription versions of Prilosec, Zantac, Pepcid, and other drugs have the same medication as the prescription forms but in a lower strength. Over-the-counter medications are useful for treatment of mild and moderate acid reflux, but more severe acid reflux may require a visit to a physician and the use of prescription medications.