Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a condition in which stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus, causing inflammation or ulceration of the esophagus, heartburn and other painful symptoms. While dietary and lifestyle changes can sometimes ease symptoms, over-the-counter and prescription drugs are also available to treat GERD. According to the Cleveland Clinic, because these medications work differently, you may be prescribed a combination of drugs to help control your symptoms.
Antacids
Over-the-counter antacids may provide relief of heartburn and acid indigestion symptoms by neutralizing stomach acid. According to eMedTV, there are several types of antacids available, including sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate or calcium phosphate, aluminum antacids such as aluminum hydroxide, and magnesium antacids such as magnesium carbonate or magnesium oxide. The Mayo Clinic advises that antacids will not heal an inflamed or ulcerated esophagus due to stomach acid, so those with chronic and severe symptoms may not benefit from antacids. Additionally, antacids may cause constipation, diarrhea or other side effects. If you have severe symptoms or have been using antacids for longer than two weeks, you should contact your physician as other prescription medications may be more effective.
Proton Pump Inhibitors
Proton pump inhibitors are drugs that effectively control or block acid production. They may be useful for those with a damaged esophagus because, by reducing acid, they can give the inflamed tissue time to heal. Over-the-counter proton pump inhibitors include lansoprazole and omeprazole. Those available by prescription include pantoprazole, rabeprazole and esomeprazole, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
H-2 Receptor Blockers
Like proton pump inhibitors, H-2 receptor blockers (or agonists) also control or prevent acid production; however, they are not usually as effective, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Over-the-counter H-2 receptor blockers such as cimetidine, famotidine and ranitidine do not work as quickly as antacids but they can sometimes provide longer-lasting relief of symptoms. They are not meant to be used for more than a few weeks at a time. Stronger versions of H-2 receptor blockers such as nizatidine are available by prescription.
Prokinetics
According to the Cleveland Clinic, some people with GERD may find relief of symptoms by taking prokinetics--drugs that strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter to prevent the backflow of stomach acid. Prokinetics can also increase the frequency of stomach contractions and make the stomach empty faster, thereby relieving a number of abdominal symptoms including heartburn, bloating, nausea or other discomfort that can commonly occur after eating for those with GERD. Prokinetics that are sometimes prescribed include bethanechol and metoclopramide.
