Acid Reflux Treatment Medicine

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Antacids

These are alkali liquids or tablets that neutralize the acid. A dose usually gives quick relief. There are many brands which you can buy. You can also get some on prescription. You can use antacids 'as required' for mild or infrequent bouts of heartburn.

Acid-suppressing drugs

If you get acid reflux symptoms frequently then see a doctor. An acid-suppressing drug will usually be advised. Two groups of acid-suppressing drugs are available - proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine receptor blockers (H2 blockers). They work in different ways but both reduce (suppress) the amount of acid that the stomach makes. Proton pump inhibitors include: omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole, and esomeprazole. H2 blockers include: cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine, and ranitidine.

In general, a proton pump inhibitor is used first as these drugs tend to work better than H2 blockers. A common initial plan is to take a full dose course of a proton pump inhibitor for a month or so. This often settles symptoms down and allows any inflammation in the oesophagus to clear. After this, all that you may need is to go back to antacids 'as required' or to take a short course of an acid suppressing drug 'as required'.

However, some people need long-term daily acid suppressing treatment. Without medication, acid reflux symptoms return quickly. Long-term treatment with an acid-suppressing drug is thought to be safe, and side-effects are uncommon. The aim is to take a full dose course for a month or so to settle symptoms. After this, it is common to 'step-down' the dose to the lowest dose that prevents symptoms. However, the maximum full dose taken each day is needed by some people.

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Prokinetic drugs

These are drugs that speed up the passage of food through the stomach. They include domperidone and metoclopramide. They are not commonly used but help in some cases, particularly if you have marked bloating or belching symptoms.

Surgery

An operation can 'tighten' the lower oesophagus to prevent acid leaking up from the stomach. It can be done by 'keyhole' surgery. In general, the success of surgery is no better than acid-suppressing medication. However, surgery may be an option for some people whose quality of life remains significantly affected by their condition and where drug treatment is not working well or not wanted long-term.

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