Medication helps relieve acid reflux by neutralizing stomach acid that backs up, reducing the amount of stomach acid produced or protecting muscle tissue in the esophagus. The generic medication that works for people with acid reflux depends on the severity of their symptoms. Over-the-counter medicine may work for some people. Others need stronger prescription medication to treat acid reflux.
Function
Acid reflux occurs when digestive juices rise up from the stomach into the esophagus, resulting in the painful sensation in the upper chest and throat known as heartburn. An improperly functioning muscle valve in the esophagus causes the reaction. The lower esophageal sphincter usually opens when food enters the stomach and closes to prevent acid backup. When it does not close tightly, acid reflux happens, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. Overeating, certain foods or lying down too soon after meals may trigger acid reflux.
Instant Effects
People who experience acid reflux occasionally find fast relief from over-the-counter antacids, available in tablet or liquid form. Many products contain a combination of magnesium, calcium and aluminum salts, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Antacids neutralize acids quickly to relieve symptoms. Using antacids often may result in side effects. Magnesium may lead to diarrhea. Calcium and aluminum can cause constipation.
Prevention
Frequent acid reflux indicates gastroesophageal reflux disease, also called GERD. People with GERD may benefit from stronger H2 blockers, medication that reduces stomach acid production. The acid blockers are available over the counter and in prescription strength. They include cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine and nizatidine. H2 blockers can prevent acid reflux from occurring when taken ahead of time before eating. The medications work effectively for about half the patients with GERD, the Cleveland Clinic says.
Combination
People may use a combination of antacids and H2 blockers. Antacids provide quick relief while H2 blockers reduce acid production over a long period of time. People who know they are going to experience acid reflux, often from certain foods or from overeating, can take H2 blocker medication before eating and take an antacid after a meal. The antacid neutralizes stomach acid immediately and when it wears off, the H2 blocker has stopped the production of acid.
Healing
Those who cannot get effective relief through antacids or H2 blockers may need stronger prescription medication. Proton pump inhibitors prevent stomach acid production faster than H2 blockers and help heal the esophagus, which can become damaged from too much acid reflux, MayoClinic.com notes. Medications include lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, esomeprazole and rabeprazole. Prokinetics are another group of generic drugs that include bethanechol and metoclopramide, the Cleveland Clinic says. They help empty the stomach faster to reduce the chance of stomach acid buildup and also strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter.
