Acid reflux medicine list

Antacids neutralise existing stomach acid, alginates help create a barrier above stomach contents, and H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors reduce acid production. A product list is only a starting point because symptom frequency, other conditions and medicine interactions determine which option is suitable.

Occasional symptoms after food may respond to a short-acting antacid or alginate. Recurrent symptoms may call for an acid-suppressing medicine used consistently, while diagnosed inflammation or another digestive condition may require a clinician-led plan. Brand names can change, so compare active ingredients rather than packaging.

Combination products contain more than one medicine group. This can be useful, but it also increases the chance of accidentally duplicating an ingredient when several remedies are taken together.

Tell a pharmacist about pregnancy, breastfeeding, allergies, kidney or liver disease, heart conditions and any sodium restriction. Bring a list of prescription medicines, supplements and non-prescription products so interactions and duplicate therapy can be identified.

Use the label dose and timing for the chosen product. Do not keep escalating treatment when symptoms persist; a clinician can confirm whether reflux is the cause, review medicines that may aggravate it and decide if tests are appropriate.

Seek emergency help for severe chest pain or pressure, especially when accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, faintness or pain in the arm, back, neck or jaw. These features need urgent assessment even if you also experience heartburn.

See a doctor for difficulty swallowing, food sticking, bleeding, black stools, persistent vomiting, unexplained weight loss or continuing symptoms despite appropriate treatment. A chronic cough, hoarse voice or disrupted sleep associated with reflux also deserves review when it does not settle.

Ask whether you need rapid relief or sustained acid control, how long the trial should last and how to take the medicine around meals. Clarify possible side effects, interactions and the plan for reducing or stopping treatment if symptoms improve.