Medicine to prevent acid reflux

Antacids neutralise acid already present and may act quickly. Alginates can form a floating barrier that limits reflux after meals. Acid-suppressing medicines reduce acid release and are often chosen when symptoms recur or irritate the oesophagus. These medicines do not correct every cause of reflux, such as a hiatus hernia or pressure on the stomach.

Reflux may cause a burning chest sensation, sour fluid, throat irritation, cough, or disturbed sleep. Chest tightness can have causes unrelated to reflux, so it should not automatically be attributed to acid.

Use the product exactly as directed and check whether it is intended before meals, after meals, or at bedtime. Separate antacids from some other medicines because they can affect absorption. A pharmacist can check interactions, especially if you take regular treatment or have kidney disease.

Try smaller evening meals, stay upright after eating, and identify personal triggers rather than removing many foods without advice. If weight is affecting symptoms, discuss a sustainable plan. Do not stop prescribed acid suppression suddenly without checking the reason it was prescribed.

Get urgent help for chest tightness with breathlessness, sweating, faintness, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw. Seek prompt assessment for vomiting blood, black stools, food sticking, painful swallowing, repeated vomiting, or unexplained weight loss. Arrange a review when symptoms persist despite treatment or keep waking you at night.

Which medicine fits my symptom pattern? Should I use it regularly or only when symptoms appear? Could another condition, medicine, or a hiatus hernia be contributing? How should I taper or review treatment if I feel better?