A hiatal hernia is a condition in which the stomach literally moves up through the diaphragm, or the muscle that helps with breathing. People who suffer with this medical condition may be unaware of it until their physicians investigate the root of their chronic heartburn, chest pain, belching and nausea. The Mayo Clinic says that risk factors for a hiatal hernia include obesity, being 50 years of age or older and being a smoker. Medications can treat the symptoms of a hiatal hernia.
Antacids
An important aspect of treating a hiatal hernia is to focus on treating its symptoms. Antacid medications, such as simethicone, are used to neutralize stomach acid. According to Drugs.com, simethicone can also manage the painful gas that can accumulate in the intestines and stomach.
Simethicone typically does not cause any side effects, MedlinePlus says. However, it is possible to be allergic to simethicone. Symptoms of an allergic response to this drug may include difficulty breathing, itchy hives on the skin and swelling of the throat, lips, tongue and face.
It is important to tell a physician about any prescription and over-the-counter medications taken because simethicone may interact with any of them.
MedlinePlus indicates that simethicone is available as a chewable or regular tablet, capsule or liquid. It is taken four times a day after meals and before sleeping.
Acid Blockers
Acid-blocker medications, such as nizatidine, are used to prevent and treat the gnawing heartburn that occurs in the stomach when there is too much acid. MedlinePlus says that nizatidine can also treat and prevent stomach or intestinal ulcers that occur as a result of excess acid. This drug also treats indigestion and certain stomach problems.
Nizatidine's side effects include a headache, drowsiness, constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, coughing and sweating. Other side effects include a runny nose, sneezing, a headache and dizziness. Sometimes, people may be allergic to nizatidine. Symptoms of an allergic response to the medication include trouble breathing, wheezing, hives and skin rashes that itch, MedlinePlus says.
Nizatidine is a capsule or tablet taken once a day before sleeping, or two times a day with or without meals.
Proton Pump Inhibitors
Proton pump refers to a sort of chemical structure in the stomach that pumps acid into it. Proton pump inhibitors, such as lansoprazole, actually block these proton pumps so that acid does not accumulate.
Lansoprazole is a medication that also treats erosive esophagitis and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Erosive esophagitis occurs when acid backs up into the esophagus and causes damage. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a type of condition characterized by too much acid production, Drugs.com says.
Lansoprazole's side effects include a headache, stomach pain, nausea, constipation or diarrhea, according to Drugs.com.
It is crucial not to take sucralfate simultaneously with lansoprazole. Drugs.com says it is important to wait 30 minutes after taking lansoprazole to take sucralfate. Sucralfate can actually decrease absorption of lansoprazole.
Lansoprazole is a capsule or disintegrating tablet that must be taken as directed.
