The Various Treatments For Acid Reflux

Individuals diagnosed with acid reflux may be treated with several drugs including those that are prescription and those that are over-the-counter.Prescription drugs used to treat acid reflux...

Individuals diagnosed with acid reflux may be treated with several drugs including those that are prescription and those that are over-the-counter.

Prescription drugs used to treat acid reflux include:

* The proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as Aciphex, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, and Protonix

* H2 Blockers, which include Axid, Pepcid, Tagament and Zantac

* Promotility agents such as Reglan

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) deactivates the acid pumps that are located in the cells of the stomach. This is how the body produces acid in the stomach. The effect of PPIs can last for up to 24 hours.

H2 Blockers inhibit the action of histamine. Histamine can stimulate the secretion of stomach acid. These medications only partially block the production of stomach acid. These medications last anywhere from six to ten hours.

Reglan will cause your stomach muscles to contract, which aid the stomach to empty and strengthens the lower esophagus splinter (LES).

Over-the-counter medications for acid reflux includes the use of antacides, H2 Blockers, antacid H2, the proton pump inhibitors and (PPIs).

Antacids include Alka-Seltzer, Bromo-Seltzer, Gelusil, Maalox, Milk of Magnesia, Mylanta, Riopan, Rolaids and Tums. These work by neutralizing stomach acids and the effect lasts from only 30 minutes to two hours depending on whether your stomach is full or empty when you take the antacid.

H2 Blockers include Axid AR, Pepcid AC, Tagament HB, and Zantac 75. These work by inhibiting the action of histamine. They can be effective for 6 to 10 hours.

Antacid H2 such as Pepcid Complete neutralizes stomach acid and also the production of stomach acid. Pepcid can last from 6 to 10 hours.

The Proton Pump Inhibitor Prilosec OTC is used to deactivate acid pumps in the cells of the stomach. It inhibits the acid production.

If you suffer from long-term acid reflux and lifestyle changes have not helped such as eating smaller more frequent meals, avoiding alcohol and smoking and losing excessive body weight, and taking prescribed or non-prescription medications you may be a candidate for surgery. Talk with your doctor about your options including surgery – radiofrequency treatment, and fundoplication.

As with any disease or condition, the individual should always start with the least invasive treatment such as lifestyle changes and then advance through treatment options to the non-invasive treatments such as medications and techniques to reduce stress or other factors that may be contributing or triggering acid reflux like being obese, smoking or drinking alcohol. There are many medications that can be tried in combination with other techniques but if all else fails you doctor may suggest some of the more invasive procedures including surgery. If your doctor is not willing to exhaust all non-invasive procedures first, seek out a second opinion from another doctor or practice.

Read Also

1. Medications Acid Reflux Sufferers Are Familiar With - There are some common drugs that are prescribed for acid reflux including acipHex, which is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI)....
2. Over The Counter Medication For Mild Acid Reflux - After you eat a spicy or greasy meal, you may immediately regret your decision. If you are like 25 million...
3. We All Get Occasional Acid Reflux - Acid reflux is something that we all can relate to sooner or later. That familiar heartburn or regurgitated food we...
4. Common Treatment For Acid Reflux - Acid reflux is a very common condition and some people have very mild symptoms, while others suffer through if after...
5. Common Prescription Medications Given For Acid Reflux - Doing your best to change your lifestyle and to get relief from acid reflux with over the counter products is...