Gastric reflux, medically known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, refers to a chronic disease in which stomach acid moves up the digestive tract. The Mayo Clinic says that signs of gastric reflux include chest pain, trouble swallowing, a sore throat and hoarseness. Other signs include a dry cough and a sensation of a lump being in the throat. Medications for gastric reflux exist to help treat symptoms.
Famotidine
Famotidine, commonly sold as Pepcid, is an H2 blocker medication that decreases the quantity of acid made in the stomach. MedlinePlus, a website of the National Institutes of Health, indicates that this medication treats heartburn and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a condition in which tumors form in the small intestine and pancreas. These tumors lead to increased stomach acid production. Famotidine's less serious side effects include diarrhea, dizziness, constipation and headache. Its serious side effects include itching, skin rash, hives and trouble breathing or swallowing. In some instances, famotidine leads to swelling of the eyes, tongue, lips, face, throat and tongue. Notify a doctor if famotidine leads to these effects. Famotidine is a liquid or tablet taken two to four times a day.
Lansoprazole
Lansoprazole, commonly sold as Prevacid, is another medication that lowers stomach acid production. In some instances, this medication also treats intestinal ulcers, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and erosive esophagitis. Drugs.com says that lansoprazole's less serious side effects include a headache, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea and constipation. In some cases, lansoprazole leads to an allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, hives and swelling of the face, tongue or lips; seek emergency medical attention for allergic reaction. Lansoprazole is a tablet taken daily.
Ranitidine
Ranitidine, commonly sold as Taladine or Zantac, is a histamine-2 receptor blocker that reduces stomach acid. It also treats Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease. According to Drugs.com, ranitidine's less serious side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation and diarrhea. Additional effects include headache and swollen breasts. Ranitidine's serious side effects include slow or fast heartbeat, easy bleeding or bruising, chest pain and yellowing of the skin or eyes. Sometimes, this drug leads to blistering of the skin, visual problems, weakness and coughing up of yellow or green mucus. Call a physician if ranitidine's side effects develop. Ranitidine is a tablet taken daily.
