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Liquid Acid Reflux OTC Medicines

Acid reflux is a fairly common problem experienced by most people at one time or another. But when it does occur, it's nice to know what medications can help alleviate the pain, and how exactly they work. Inform yourself so that you can decide which options are best.

  1. What Is Acid Reflux?

    • Acid reflux occurs when the acid in your stomach recedes back into your intestines and into your esophagus. This occurs because your esophageal sphincter relaxes and allows the liquid to enter the esophagus. It can be caused by spicy foods, asthma, smoking, or even just bending forward. In any case, when the acid does ascend into your esophagus it causes a burning sensation commonly referred to as heartburn. Short term heartburn is usually cured relatively easily by over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

    Gaviscon

    • Gaviscon is available in a liquid OTC form, and should be administered at the first signs of acid reflux. The way it works is by creating what's known as a "raft" in the stomach. This means that when it gets down into the stomach area, the ingredients form a barrier at the top of the stomach, preventing the contents (including acid) from leaving the stomach and entering the esophagus.

    Pepcid AC

    • Pepcid AC is what's known as an H2 Blocker, which means that it blocks a particular type of histamine. There are different types of histamines that are released throughout different parts of the body, but Pepcid AC blocks a specific type of histamine in the stomach. Histamines in the stomach cause more acid to be produced. By blocking these histamines, the acid is reduced, resulting in the recession of acid back into the stomach where it belongs.

    Alka-Seltzer

    • Alka-Seltzer has three main ingredients: aspirin, citric acid, and sodium bicarbonate. The aspirin is an anti-inflammatory, which helps for pain. But as far as reducing acid reflux, that's up to the citric acid and sodium bicarbonate. When combined with water, the ingredients create antacids. When they are ingested, they bind with the excess acid in the stomach, neutralizing the burn, and eliminating the acid reflux.

    Persistent Acid Reflux

    • Occasional acid reflux can be a bother, but it can also be taken care of rather easily. If however, you experience acid reflux persistently, or without provocation, you may want to seek the advice of a doctor. Sometimes too much acid reflux can be a symptom of a more serious problem, such as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or in rare cases, even cancer. If you're concerned, it's best to speak with your doctor and determine your treatment options.

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