Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux, occurs when stomach contents and digestive juices rise up into the esophagus. This is due to a malfunction in the lower esophageal sphincter. When the stomach acid contained in the digestive juices reaches the lining of the esophagus, it results in a burning sensation most often felt in the chest or the throat. This is referred to as heartburn or indigestion. Occasional acid reflux does not require treatment, however, when acid reflux is experienced two or more times per week, it is referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease, according to National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. A variety of medications are available for treatment. These medications are often used in combination to provide the best relief.
Antacids
Antacids are made of a combination of three kinds of salts magnesium, calcium and aluminum. In addition to these salts, antacids contain hydroxide or bicarbonate ions, which bind with hydrogen ions in order to neutralize the acid in the stomach. Antacids are the first drug recommended for treatment of acid reflux because they are over the counter medications that are easy to obtain. Occasional side effects of antacids include diarrhea or constipation.
Foaming Agents
Foaming agents produce foam that covers the entire area of the stomach. This foam lies on top of the acid and prevents it from coming back up through the esophagus. Foaming agents are used only in those with mild cases of acid reflux and those who have little esophageal damage present, according to Treat Heartburn.
H-2 Blockers
H-2 blockers, also known as histamine H-2 antagonists, work to reduce the amount of acid that is produced by the stomach. Histamine is a chemical in the body that signals the parietal cells in the stomach to make acid. H-2 blockers work by intercepting the signal from histamine and thus reducing the amount of stomach acid that is produced. H-2 blockers are available either by prescription or over-the-counter. They are a short term solution and work in only about half of acid reflux cases, according to National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Proton Pump Inhibitors
Proton pump inhibitors also work to block the amount of stomach acid that is produced by the stomach. They do this by shutting down the body system called the proton pump, which is responsible for secreting hydroxide ions directly into the stomach opening, according to EA/TEF.org. With the proton pump mechanism inhibited, less stomach acid is produced.
Prokinetics
Prokinetic agents cause the lower esophageal sphincter to close more tightly and quickly, thus blocking the stomach contents and digestive juices from rising up into the esophagus. Side effects are more common with prokinetic agents and include confusion, anxiety, diarrhea and nausea according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
