Acid Reflux Medications

Overview of Acid Reflux Medications

There are a number of acid reflux medications. Some are over-the-counter antacids and others are prescription drugs. If over-the-counter medications are not treating your symptoms then you should consult a physician.

Antacids neutralize the digestive acids and are for mild symptoms of acid reflux. If you are going to use antacids, take them for relief of occasional instances of heartburn or acid reflux. Most antacids are available over the counter without a prescription as they are the first drugs recommended to relieve mild symptoms of acid reflux.

Key Ingredients in Antacids

All antacids rely on three main ingredients. Those ingredients are magnesium, calcium, or aluminum. Magnesium salts come in the form of magnesium carbonate, magnesium trisilicate, and magnesium hydroxide. Milk of Magnesia is magnesium hydroxide.

There is a major side effect of magnesium salts and that is diarrhea. Magnesium salts combined with aluminum will prevent this unwanted side effect. Products containing both magnesium salts and aluminum are Mylanta and Maalox.

Calcium-Based Antacids

Calcium is another treatment used to counteract the symptoms of acid reflux. Calcium carbonate is contained in such products as Tums and Alka Seltzer. Calcium is a fast-acting antacid that can cause constipation. Taking calcium carbonate for quite a long time can lead to kidney failure. This is rare though.

Aluminum-Based Antacids

Aluminum salts are available in products such as Amphogel and Alternagel. Constipation is a side effect of taking aluminum salts. People who take large amounts of antacids are at risk of eventually developing osteoporosis, which is a progressive loss of bone density or thinning of the bone tissue, thereby increasing vulnerability to fractures. However, regular exercise along with vitamin and mineral supplements can reduce or even reverse the loss of bone density. Osteoporosis can also result from hormone deficiency, dietary deficiency, or disease.

Liquid vs. Tablet Antacids

Liquid antacids generally work faster than tablets. The liquids are also more potent than tablets. Continued long time usage of antacids will increase the risk of kidney stones.

Some Prescription medications act as Receptor Antagonists, or H2 blockers. These drugs inhibit the production of stomach acid. When there is less acid in the stomach, there is a reduced chance of it agitating up into the esophagus. Some popular H2 blockers include Zantax and Pepcid AC. H2 blockers are available in different strengths. These particular drugs are available from over-the-counter strength to prescription strength.

Other Prescription medications such as Prilosec and Prevacid are proton pump inhibitors. They work to reduce acid in the stomach. This type of remedy alters the stomach's natural processes for acid production and regulation. It is sometimes necessary to do so for relief, but it is important to investigate alternative remedies for acid reflux symptom relief.

Whatever method of therapy you select, always consult your doctor!

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Also Read

Heartburn Prevention in 8 Easy Ways

Symptoms of Acid Reflux

Acid Reflux Disease

About the Author: Thomas D. Houser Acid Reflux Treatment Source: www.isnare.com