Getting Relief With Over the Counter GERD Medication
When you feel a burning sensation in your stomach and surrounding areas, your first instinct might be to go to the pharmacy and get yourself some over the counter GERD medications. There is a small chance that these drugs might help but if you really want an effective and longer-lasting solution to your problem, it would be best to consult with your doctor first before taking any kind of medication.
Getting GERD Relief from Antacids
For quick relief from GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease or GERD, it is recommended that you take an antacid such as Tums or Alka-Seltzer. These remedies will be able to calm your stomach and reduce the pain at least for the time being. If these are not available, you can also try Maalox, Mylanta, Amphojel or Milk of Magnesia.
Antacids can be quite effective over the counter GERD medications if you take them in the dosage written on the label or as prescribed by your physician. Taking a higher dosage than is recommended might produce adverse side effects such as constipation, diarrhea and other problems in your excretory system. When taking tablet antacids, it would be a good idea to chew the tablet completely in order to get faster results.
Excellent as they may be, antacids are not the only over the counter GERD medication you can use. You may also try acid blockers that can help stop heartburn and acid indigestion. The two most popular acid blockers that you can get in any pharmacy are histamine antagonists and proton pump inhibitors.
Histamine antagonists, also known as H2 antagonists are available under many different forms and brand names. Among the more well-known ones are Zantac 75, Pepcid AC, Tagamet HB and Axid AR. Most of these are highly effective in stopping GERD symptoms. Proton pump inhibitors or PPI on the other hand are also good remedies. The most popular brand of this acid blocker is Prilosec. It has a considerable edge over the other brands because it is FDA approved, making it one of the most prescribed over the counter GERD medication today.
GERD may sound like a new illness to most people but it is in fact the same illness that we also know as heartburn or acid reflux. There are a few different factors that can bring about this condition such as excessive consumption of acidic and fatty foods. However, you should know that there are also some medications that may inadvertently cause GERD, such as some non steroidal anti inflammatory medications. If you are prone to GERD, it would be best to avoid these drugs and ask your doctor to give you an alternative prescription.
Related posts:
