Gastro-esophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a medical condition of involuntary passage of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus. This causes heartburn, a pressure-like, sharp pain in the middle of the chest. It can also cause sour stomach, or a sour taste in the mouth with regurgitation of acidic stomach contents to the mouth. There are several types of medicines used to alleviate the symptoms of reflux.
Antacids
Antacids are medicines that diminish the stomach's acidity. These are alkaloid or basic substances that neutralize the acidity of the stomach's contents. These medicines are easily available over the counter. Some well known antacids include Alka-Seltzer, Maalox, Milk of Magnesia and Tums. Common side effects of antacids include constipation and diarrhea. Some antacids have calcium as a main component, so taking large quantities of them can lead to kidney stones.
H2 Blockers
Histamine is a hormone that the body produces to stimulate the stomach cells to produce acid, which helps in the digestion of food. H2 blockers compete with histamine for the cellular receptors that start the process of acid production, decreasing its effects and reducing the production of acid. The most common H2 blockers are ranitidine (Zantac) cimetidine (Tagamet) and Famotidine (Pepcid). These medicines are available as over-the-counter medicines. Like the antacids, H2 blockers can cause diarrhea and constipation. Less common side effects include liver damage, decrease in white blood cells (the cells in charge of fighting off infections) and a slowing of the heart rate called bradycardia.
Proton Pump Inhibitors
Proton pump inhibitors are second-line medicines in the treatment of acid reflux and can be used when antacids or H2 blockers do not work. Some of these medicines are available as over-the-counter drugs, but some require a prescription from a doctor. They slow the production of acid by reducing the activity of the stomach cells' proton pump. The proton pump works by secreting hydrogen ions, the main component of acid in the stomach. The best-known proton pump inhibitors are omeprazole (Prilosec), lanzoprazole (Prevacid), esomeprazole (Nexium) and pantoprazole (Protonix). Proton pump inhibitors can cause headache and diarrhea, and, if taken over long periods of time, decrease the concentration of calcium in bones, making them more brittle and easier to fracture.
