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Medicine for Acid Reflux Disease

There are many choices of medication when it comes to treating Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Doctors recommend over-the-counter, prescription and alternative drugs. They have all showed promise in treating the chronic symptoms of GERD. There are also new options currently in clinical trials that will help many in the future.

  1. Over-the-counter Medication

    • Antacids are available without prescription to treat Acid Reflux Disease. Prilosec (a proton pump inhibitor) is now being sold over-the-counter under the generic name Omeprazole, and a foam barrier (Gaviscon) is also available.

    Prescription Drugs

    • There are a number of prescription drugs used to treat Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and pro-motility drugs.

    Alternative Medicine

    • There are some natural remedies that have worked for some and are worth trying. Among them are licorice extract, ginger and aloe vera juice.

    Considerations

    • Prescription, over-the-counter and alternative medications can have side effects and should not be used regularly unless you are under doctor's care so there are no interactions.

    Potential

    • There are a number of new medications currently in clinical trials to help with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Visit the U.S. National Institutes of Health website (see Resources below) to see which ones are near completion.

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