Acid indigestion occurs when stomach contents reflux upward into the esophagus, causing irritation. The stomach secretes highly concentrated acid to help break down food for absorption by the body. The stomach lining has built-in protections that prevent irritation from this acid. However, the esophagus does not have these protections, and its lining is easily irritated by stomach acid. This manifests as acid indigestion or heartburn -- pain or discomfort under the breastbone and a sour or acidic taste in the throat. Medications that neutralize or decrease stomach acid can relieve acid indigestion symptoms.
Antacids
Occasional acid indigestion is a common experience. In a seminal study on stomach acid reflux published in "The Lancet," Drs. Moayyedi and Talley reported that in western countries, 25 percent of people experience heartburn at least once monthly. Many people take antacids to relieve heartburn. These over-the-counter medicines neutralize stomach acid, relieving the discomfort caused by esophageal irritation.
Antacids are an effective option for relieving occasional acid indigestion. The effects are almost immediate; as soon as the medicine reaches the stomach, it interacts with the stomach acid, rendering it chemically neutral. Many antacid products are available. They all contain one or more neutralizing chemicals such as aluminum or magnesium hydroxide, and aluminum or magnesium carbonate.
H2 Blockers
H2 blockers are a group of medicines that decrease stomach acid production. Drugs in this group of medicines include cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine and ranitidine. Each of these H2 blockers is available over the counter or in stronger prescription strengths. If you are experiencing a case of acid indigestion, these medicines will not neutralize the acid already in your stomach. Therefore, they do not provide immediate symptom relief as antacids do. To address this issue, some manufacturers have added an antacid to the H2 blocker product. Combining these medicines in one product provides immediate symptom relief from the antacid, and a longer-lasting reduction in acid production from the H2 blocker, which prevents the recurrence of acid indigestion symptoms.
In a 2006 study published in the journal "Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics," Dr. Tran and colleagues reported that H2 blocking drugs significantly reduce the incidence of heartburn symptoms when taken as a preventative measure.
Proton Pump Inhibitors
Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) drugs block the production of stomach acid. Like H2 blockers, they do not provide immediate relief if you are having an attack of acid indigestion. However, they are highly effective at preventing heartburn episodes. Low-dose forms of the PPIs lansoprazole and omeprazole are available without a prescription. Some formulations of these products may also contain an antacid, providing immediate relief of acid indigestion symptoms and prevention of future heartburn attacks. High-dose forms of lansoprazole and omeprazole require a prescription. The PPIs dexlansoprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole and rabeprazole are available by prescription only.
References
- Mayo Clinic: GERD Treatments and Drugs
- American Gastroenterological Association: Medications to Relieve Heartburn Symptoms
- Merck Manual: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Treatment
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Heartburn Treatment
- Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center: Reflux
