1. Understanding Acid Reflux
Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition that results when acid in the stomach refluxes back into the esophagus. The condition is experienced by heartburn and a burning sensation on the esophageal lining.
According to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, acid reflux disease affects an estimated 21 million Americans. Obviously since so many people suffer from this condition, there are a host of medications in addition to lifestyle behaviors that can help to reduce the symptoms and onset of an episode of acid reflux disease.
The goal of any acid reflux medication, is to reduce the amount of acid present and to improve the muscle function of the inner linings of the stomach and esophagus.
2. Seek Relief With Antacids
Even though there are numerous over-the-counter acid reflux drugs on the market today, antacids like Tums continue to be a popular form of treatment for many who suffer from this condition. Antacids work by neutralizing the acid in the stomach so that there is no reflux to be felt.
They are typically made of calcium, aluminum or magnesium and can be purchased for just a few dollars. It is generally recommended to take them right after a meal or just before symptoms start to appear.
One of the drawbacks of antacids is that their therapeutic benefits are short. In less than one hour, they are emptied from the stomach leaving the opportunity for more acid to accumulate and symptoms to reappear.
Also, aluminum-based antacids can cause constipation and those antacids that contain magnesium can lead to diarrhea.
3. Understand Histamine Antagonists
With their ability to have a longer lasting power than antacids, histamine antagonists are able to neutralize acid for longer periods of time. Since histamine actually produces acid by attaching to receptors on the stomach wall, histamine antagonists block the receptor thereby preventing acid production. They are also referred to as H2 antagonists appropriately named for the histamine Type 2 receptor.
For histamine antagonists to be fully effective, they should be taken 30 minutes before a meal and/or right before bedtime in order to prevent acid production in the night. They are particularly powerful for treating heartburn but they are not effective at reducing inflammation of the esophagus, which is a common feature of acid reflux.
Tagamet, Pepcid and Zantac are three popular forms of histamine antagonist medications. They can be prescribed by your doctor or purchased over-the-counter in lower doses.
4. Consider Proton Pump Inhibitors
Another class of medication that was created to treat acid reflux is the proton pump inhibitor (PPI). The proton pump inhibitor works by preventing the secretion of acid in the stomach. It work much longer than both antacids and histamine antagonists and are therefore often prescribed when these two medications don't improve the symptoms of acid reflux. Additionally, proton pump inhibitors treat the heartburn and reduce inflammation around the esophagus.
The medication is taken one hour before a meal so that it can block acid production in the stomach which peaks right after a meal. In this way, the medication will be sufficiently absorbed in the stomach and prepared to block the secretion of acid in the stomach just before food enters it.
Prilosec is one of the more common types of a proton pump inhibitor.
5. Learn About Pro-Motility Drugs
Pro-motility drugs are not as common as some of the other forms of acid reflux medication. In fact, currently there is only one drug, Reglan, that has been approved to treat the symptoms of acid reflux disease. This kind of drug works by stimulating the muscles in the stomach, esophagus, small intestine and colon. By increasing pressure in the lower esophagus and developing stronger contractions in the esophagus, acid reflux is reduced. Pro-motility drugs also work by being a catalyst for removing the contents of the stomach. This additional factor is seen as an important factor in reducing acid reflux. They are taken 30 minutes before a meal and then again before bedtime. Pro-motility drugs are usually prescribed to someone who has not responded well to traditional therapies for treating acid reflux disease.
