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Heartburn Medications
Today if you suffer from heartburn you have many options to choose from to give you relief. In September of 2003 one of the proton inhibitors became available as an over-the-counter medication for the very first time.
Studies show that between 60 and 70% of heartburn sufferers get relief from medicines that are sold over-the-counter. These are intended for short-term use only - usage of not more than 2-4 weeks at a time unless you have consulted with your physician. If symptoms persist then it may be time to consider using another heartburn medication. Remember never to treat a child with any over-the-counter medicine for heartburn unless you have been advised to do so by your doctor.
What type of heartburn medication is best for you? This depends upon your symptoms, when they occur, how often they occur, how long they last and whether other treatments have been successful or not.
You must remember that not even heartburn medications that can be bought over-the-counter are right for everyone. There can be side effects or they may interact with other medications that you are already taking. It is best to talk to your pharmacist before you try any nonprescription drug. If he or she knows all the medicines you are currently taking as well as any allergies you may have, then the pharmacist will be able to tell if a certain medicine is a good choice for you.
Following is a summary of some of the major types of drugs used in the treatment of heartburn.
Antacids
Examples: Mylanta, Alka-Seltzer, Tums, Pepto-Bismol, Maalox and Rolaids. These medicines are also available in generic versions and can all be purchased over-the-counter.
Antacids work in that they neutralize the stomach acid which causes heartburn. All of the above medications are for occasional heartburn. Antacids usually work quickly, so if you get heartburn after a big fatty or spicy meal then you want to reach for these. They are not to be used for frequent heartburn. If your symptoms continue longer than two weeks, consult your physician.
Histamine 2 Receptor Antagonists (H2 Blockers)
Examples of H2 Blockers are Pepcid-AC, Tagamet HB, Axid AR, Zantac 75. Pepcid AC became available without a doctor's prescription in October 2003.
H2 blockers work because they reduce acid production by blocking any signals which tell the stomach to make acid. These drugs can treat reflux and heartburn symptoms as well as prevent symptoms. Depending upon the product, the effects may last up to 12 hours.
People with mild to moderate heartburn would probably do well to take an H2 blocker. You should not take one of these medications for any longer than two weeks at its maximum dose without first consulting your physician.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
Examples: Prilosec and a generic version, Prevacid, AcipHex, Protonix, Nexium. All are sold with a doctor's prescription. In September of 2003 the 20-milligram strength of Prilosec became available without a prescription.
PPIs block the cell's action of pumping acid into the stomach for a period of 10 to 24 hours, depending on the product you take. In most cases, symptoms can be eliminated and esophagitis can be healed.
Over-the-counter Prilosec should not be used by heartburn sufferers who only have occasional symptoms. Prescription strength PPIs are for people who have more serious cases of acid reflux disease.
Studies show that between 60 and 70% of heartburn sufferers get relief from medicines that are sold over-the-counter. These are intended for short-term use only - usage of not more than 2-4 weeks at a time unless you have consulted with your physician. If symptoms persist then it may be time to consider using another heartburn medication. Remember never to treat a child with any over-the-counter medicine for heartburn unless you have been advised to do so by your doctor.
What type of heartburn medication is best for you? This depends upon your symptoms, when they occur, how often they occur, how long they last and whether other treatments have been successful or not.
You must remember that not even heartburn medications that can be bought over-the-counter are right for everyone. There can be side effects or they may interact with other medications that you are already taking. It is best to talk to your pharmacist before you try any nonprescription drug. If he or she knows all the medicines you are currently taking as well as any allergies you may have, then the pharmacist will be able to tell if a certain medicine is a good choice for you.
Following is a summary of some of the major types of drugs used in the treatment of heartburn.
Antacids
Examples: Mylanta, Alka-Seltzer, Tums, Pepto-Bismol, Maalox and Rolaids. These medicines are also available in generic versions and can all be purchased over-the-counter.
Antacids work in that they neutralize the stomach acid which causes heartburn. All of the above medications are for occasional heartburn. Antacids usually work quickly, so if you get heartburn after a big fatty or spicy meal then you want to reach for these. They are not to be used for frequent heartburn. If your symptoms continue longer than two weeks, consult your physician.
Histamine 2 Receptor Antagonists (H2 Blockers)
Examples of H2 Blockers are Pepcid-AC, Tagamet HB, Axid AR, Zantac 75. Pepcid AC became available without a doctor's prescription in October 2003.
H2 blockers work because they reduce acid production by blocking any signals which tell the stomach to make acid. These drugs can treat reflux and heartburn symptoms as well as prevent symptoms. Depending upon the product, the effects may last up to 12 hours.
People with mild to moderate heartburn would probably do well to take an H2 blocker. You should not take one of these medications for any longer than two weeks at its maximum dose without first consulting your physician.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
Examples: Prilosec and a generic version, Prevacid, AcipHex, Protonix, Nexium. All are sold with a doctor's prescription. In September of 2003 the 20-milligram strength of Prilosec became available without a prescription.
PPIs block the cell's action of pumping acid into the stomach for a period of 10 to 24 hours, depending on the product you take. In most cases, symptoms can be eliminated and esophagitis can be healed.
Over-the-counter Prilosec should not be used by heartburn sufferers who only have occasional symptoms. Prescription strength PPIs are for people who have more serious cases of acid reflux disease.