Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or acid reflux, is a disease in which the stomach contents travel back up the esophagus. The symptoms of the disease include heartburn, regurgitation, increased salivation and belching. Several medications are used to treat GERD.
Mild Treatment
Over-the-counter antacids are used to treat mild GERD, states “Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach.” Mild to moderate GERD is treated with H2-receptor blockers, which are cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine and ranitidine.
Moderate to Severe Treatment
Proton pump inhibitors, which include esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, rabeprazole and pantoprazole, are superior to other medications for moderate to severe GERD.
Side Effects
Gastrointestinal side effects are most commonly associated with the use of these medications. Antacids may produce diarrhea or constipation depending on the product, according to the “Drug Information Handbook.” H2-receptor blockers may produce headaches, drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, and constipation or diarrhea. The proton pump inhibitors may cause headache, drowsiness, dizziness, diarrhea, constipation and nausea.
Goals of Therapy
The goals of treatment are to control the symptoms of GERD and improve the patient’s quality of life. Treatment is aimed at preventing relapses early in the course of the disease to avoid complications that may occur with long-term GERD.
Maintenance Therapy
Patients may experience a relapse after discontinuing therapy. Proton pump inhibitors may be administered in these patients and are safe when used long-term. The only H2 receptor approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for maintenance therapy is ranitidine, states “Pharmacotherapy.”
References
- "Drug Information Handbook"; Charles F. Lacy, Lora L. Armstrong, et al.; 2009
- "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach"; Joseph T. Dipiro, Robert L. Talbert, et al.; 2008
