Heartburn is a common malady that occurs most often when acid from the person's stomach flows the wrong way, namely up into the esophagus. This occurs because the esophageal sphincter that is supposed to close to prevent it does not work properly. The Mayo Clinic reports this stomach acid in the esophagus causes worse pain or the telltale burning sensation when the person is lying down or bent over. In most cases, heartburn is not serious, but if it occurs often, it can be a symptom of something more severe.
Antacids
For heartburn that only occurs occasionally, the first choice for treatment is over-the-counter (OTC) antacids. These work by neutralizing stomach acids, which gives rapid relief in most cases. These types of medications include calcium carbonate, which is sold as Tums, Rolaids and other brands, aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide combinations such as Mylanta and Maalox. Antacids, which may be chewed or taken as liquids, may cause either constipation or diarrhea as side effects, Drugs.com reports. No prescription is needed for these kinds of drugs.
Histamine H2-Receptor Blockers
Histamine H2-receptor blockers are oral medications that cause the stomach to produce less acid. These pills do not act as rapidly as antacids, but they generally give relief that continues for longer periods. These medications are available in both prescription and OTC strengths. They include such medicines as ranitidine that is sold as Zantac, nizatidine that is sold as Axid, famotidine know by the brand name Pepcid and cimetidine, which is commonly sold as Tagamet. These H2-blockers also may cause temporary and non-serious side effects such as diarrhea and constipation, as well as nausea and headaches.
Proton Pump Inhibitors
These types of drugs used to fight heartburn are used much the same way as H2-blockers to reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces. They also help to promote healing in the esophagus, the Mayo Clinic states. These, too, are available as OTC or prescription-level drugs. The most common of them in the United States are omeprazole, sold as Prilosec, lansoprazole, sold as Prevacid, and esomeprazole, sold only by prescription as Nexium. These types of medications also may induce diarrhea as well as pain in the stomach, the National Institutes of Health reports.
