For some people, finding the right medication for treating reflux with acid reflux is something that turns out to be very simple, but for others it may be due to trial and error.
This condition is fairly straightforward, and there are many effective treatments and medications. Once you find something that works for you, you may have to spend several months healing damage, although sometimes lifestyle changes can work wonders and you may be able to stop earlier. Most medicines have once a day, but your doctor will tailor a prescription to your needs.
Here are the five most common and most commonly used drugs for acid reflux.
Prilosec (generic name-omeprazole): You have probably seen commercials for Prilosec on TV, and you might think that this is a prescription without a prescription. Despite the presence of an over-the-counter form, there is also a predictive power. This type of drug is an IPP, which means a proton pump inhibitor. This means that the medicine is intended to reduce the amount of acid that the stomach produces. Less acid production means less acid rises through a weakened valve of the stomach. This drug can promote the healing of damaged tissue in as little as two months. This drug is swallowed whole and has not been tested on pregnant or nursing mothers.
Nexium (generic name-esomeprazole): Like Prilosec, it is a drug that is an IPP. It inhibits enzymes that produce stomach acid to relieve symptoms and damage associated with GERD or stomach reflux. This takes the form of tablets, but there is an intravenous dose for special cases. This is often taken an hour before meals and swallowed whole for best results. Also, like the prilose, it has not been studied in pregnant and lactating women.
Prevacid (generic name-lansoprazole): This is another PPI drug, and it helps slow the production of acid by preventing damage to the damaged tissues of the esophagus. They can be swallowed, or there are pills that can be placed under the tongue to dissolve rather than swallow everything. Intravenous doses are available for those who cannot cope with the tablet. It is also not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing.
Protonix (generic name pantoprazole): Protonix is also a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), but not as well known as others. It works in the same way, though, and only comes in pill form at this time. Although it is a treatment for GERD, it is also known as an effective treatment for ulcers. This pill can be taken in whole form only 30 minutes before a meal for up to two months to decide if it is effective and if healing has occurred. It cannot yet be recommended to pregnant and / or lactating women.
Tagamet (generic name-cimetidine): Although it is often considered an over-the-counter drug, it is available for those who have persistent and daily problems with heartburn. It works to stop the production of acid, but differs from the diversity of the PPI drug. It blocks histamine, which is known to stimulate the production of acid. In most cases, the prescribed strength is necessary only if the tissue is damaged. This is taken in pill form, and there is no research on whether pregnant or lactating women should take it or not.
As with any type of medication, there is always a chance that one of them may interact with other medications that you can take for a different condition, so don't forget that your doctor and your pharmacist know what else you are taking.
You should quickly find relief with each of them, and if not, talk to your doctor. You may need different dosages of these drugs to treat reflux with acid reflux, or you may not have acid reflux. There are cases when other problems can imitate this condition, therefore, if your medicines do not work, you should get a second opinion.
