How to Pick the Best Acidity Medicine

Acid reflux is the mild sensation of heartburn in the mid-chest, often experienced after meals or while lying down. You may also experience an acidic taste in the mouth and a burning sensation in the throat. Acid reflux occurs due to the backflow of acid from the stomach to the oesophagus. It is primarily observed in obese, pregnant women, people with hiatal hernia, and people addicted to smoking or taking certain medications.

If the symptoms of acid reflux reappear more than twice a week, it might indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is the more severe form of acid reflux in which stomach acid irritates the oesophagus lining, making swallowing difficult. This condition can cause chronic pain, dental erosions, and even ulcers. The common symptoms of GERD are as follows:

• nausea
• chest pain
• pain when swallowing
• difficulty swallowing
• chronic cough
• laryngitis or asthma
• bad breath

Read more– Chest pain while coughing

Acidity Medicine Options: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects

Mostly, acid reflux is treated with non-prescribed heartburn medicine.  However, if you experience more frequent and severe heartburn that non-prescribed antacids cannot cure, you must consult a doctor for the proper treatment and prescribed medicines. Some heartburn medicines are listed below.

1. Antacids

About:

Antacids are over-the-counter (OTC) or non-prescription medicines available in syrup or chewable tablets for gas and acidity. They are commonly used for occasional and mild symptoms of acid reflux and GERD. Antacids neutralize stomach acid, providing quick relief from heartburn, but they do not heal the oesophagus lining. They can also be used for indigestion. Commonly recommended antacids contain salts like calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium trisilicate, and aluminium hydroxide.

How They Work:

Antacids neutralize stomach acid to relieve heartburn symptoms quickly.

Dosage:

Take as needed, following the instructions on the package.

Side Effects:

Long-term use can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, flatulence, and headache.

Safety Measures & Warnings:

Safe for short-term use; prolonged use should be avoided.

Examples: 

• Calcium carbonate
• Sodium bicarbonate
• Magnesium trisilicate
• Aluminium hydroxide

2. H2 Receptor Blockers

About:

H2 receptor blockers are more effective and long-lasting than antacids. They work by moderately suppressing the stomach’s acid production by blocking histamine. These medications help heal the oesophagus lining, making them recommended for acid reflux.

How They Work:

Block histamine to decrease acid production in the stomach.

Dosage:

Best taken 30 minutes before meals or at bedtime.

Side Effects:

Headache, dizziness, diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, and vomiting.

Safety Measures & Warnings:

Consult a doctor if symptoms persist.

Examples: 

• famotidine
• nizatidine
• cimetidine

3. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

About:

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) suppress acid production in the stomach and help heal the oesophagus lining. They are safe for short-term use (14 days, up to three times a year) and are most effective when taken 30 to 60 minutes before meals.

How They Work:

Reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

Dosage:

Take 30 to 60 minutes before meals.

Side Effects:

Nausea, bloating, headache, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea.

Safety Measures & Warnings:

Safe for long-term use but should be monitored by a healthcare provider.

Examples: 

• omeprazole
• lansoprazole

4. Prokinetics

About:

Prokinetics are prescribed medicines that help the stomach empty more quickly. Commonly recommended prokinetics include metoclopramide and bethanechol.

How They Work:

Increase the motility of the stomach to empty its contents faster.

Dosage:

Take as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Side Effects:

Nausea, diarrhoea, anxiety, and depression.

Safety Measures & Warnings:

Use only under medical guidance

Examples: 

• omeprazole
• lansoprazole
• rabeprazole
• pantoprazole
• esomeprazole
• dexlansoprazole

Combinations

All the above medicines work in different ways to reduce heartburn symptoms. Your doctor may also prescribe you a combination of these medicines to effectively treat acid reflux.

Conclusion

Acid reflux is a condition that develops due to the backflow of stomach contents back into the oesophagus. Experiencing acid reflux more than twice a week can indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). You are susceptible to GERD if you are obese, pregnant, addicted to smoking, or following certain medications. Even your late-night meals or heavy portions of fried and fatty food can make you susceptible to acid reflux. A few lifestyle alterations, including healthy eating and quitting smoking, can help you prevent and treat acid reflux. You can also take non-prescriptive medicines mentioned above by following the label’s directions and prescriptive medications after consulting a gastroenterologist to get immediate relief from acid reflux symptoms. Besides, H2 receptor blockers and Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the best medicine for acidity in the stomach.

Get your generic and branded medicines for acidity by uploading your prescription on Truemeds and avail yourself of a free teleconsultation from our expert doctors on our online pharmacy – Truemeds. You can also download our Truemeds app. Also, save up to 72% on your medicine purchase by choosing the best alternative, as Truemed’s expert doctors advised. 

Disclaimer: The information given in this article is true to our best knowledge. Still, we recommend that you consult your healthcare professional before taking any medication for acidity mentioned in this article. It is also recommended to take the non-prescribed medicines mentioned in this article only for the short term.

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