Non-prescription medications used to treat heartburn include:
Recommended Related to Heartburn/GERD
Do You Have Heartburn?
Your description of your symptoms may be all a doctor requires to diagnose heartburn, but sometimes additional testing may be necessary. The esophagus can be viewed through an endoscope, a long, thin, flexible tube inserted through the mouth, or by X-ray.Sometimes, your doctor may recommend a 24-hour esophageal pH probe study, especially if you have unusual symptoms, such as throat or chest or abdominal pain, coughing, or asthma-like symptoms. In this test, a long, narrow, flexible tube is inserted...
Read the Do You Have Heartburn? article > >
Antacids for Heartburn
Antacids neutralize stomach acid to help relieve heartburn, sour stomach, acid indigestion, and stomach upset. Some antacids also contain simethicone, an ingredient that helps eliminate excess gas. Some antacids contain ingredients that can cause diarrhea, such as magnesium, or constipation, such as aluminum.
Examples of antacids include:
- Alka-Seltzer
- Milk of Magnesia
- Alternagel, Amphojel
- Gaviscon, Gelusil, Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids
- Pepto-Bismol
You should take antacids exactly as directed by your doctor, or according to the package label. If you are using the tablets, chew them well before swallowing for faster relief.
Serious side effects can occur with an overdose or overuse of antacids. Side effects include constipation, diarrhea, changes in the color of bowel movements, and stomach cramps.
Acid Reducers for Heartburn
There are two types of drugs that work to reduce the production of acid in the stomach: histamine antagonists (H2 antagonists or H2 blockers) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
Examples of H2 blockers available over the counter include:
The FDA has approved the proton pump inhibitors lansoprazole (Prevacid 24HR), omeprazole (Prilosec OTC), esomeprazole (Nexium 24HR), and omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate (Zegerid OTC) for over-the-counter use to treat frequent heartburn (two or more times per week) for 14 days. All of these drugs are also available as prescriptions. Take these drugs according to the directions on the package or as advised by your doctor.
If these medications don't relieve your symptoms, or if your heartburn symptoms get worse or persist for longer than two weeks, you should see your doctor.
Combination Antacid/Acid Reducer for Heartburn
There is only one drug of this type, Pepcid Complete. It is made up of famotidine, calcium, and magnesium combining the acid-neutralizing capability of an antacid and the acid-reducing actions of an acid-blocker drug.
So Which Works Best for Heartburn?
All of these over-the-counter medicines, to a varying degree, can be effective in relieving the symptoms of heartburn. People who have more severe heartburn symptoms that aren't relieved with these medications or who have been using these drugs for more than two weeks should contact their doctor. They may need prescription medicine.