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The information provided here is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medications listed below. Only the most general side effects are included, so ask your healthcare provider if you need to take any special precautions. Use each of these medications as recommended by your healthcare provider, or according to the instructions provided. If you have further questions about usage or side effects, contact your healthcare provider.
Different medications for GERD/heartburn work in different ways. Your doctor may prescribe a combination of over-the-counter and prescription medications to help treat and control your GERD/heartburn.
H2 Blockers (also available in prescription strength)
Common brand names include:
Proton pump inhibitors block stomach acid production created by the stomach’s acid-making cells. By greatly decreasing the amount of stomach acid, proton pump inhibitors reduce the symptoms of GERD, especially heartburn, and help prevent damage that occurs from acid reflux into the esophagus. In general, proton pump inhibitors are prescribed for severe cases of GERD and for patients whose symptoms are not controlled by H2 blockers and antacids.
Proton pump inhibitors are available as tablets, powders, or delayed release capsules. They should be taken 30-60 minutes before meals.
The most common side effects include:
Common brand names include:
Prokinetics help control acid reflux by strengthening the lower esophageal sphincter muscle and/or emptying the contents of the stomach faster, thus shortening the time during which reflux can occur.
Prokinetics are usually given in conjunction with other GERD/heartburn medications. Bethanechol is available in tablet form. It is generally taken one hour before or two hours after meals to avoid nausea and vomiting. Metoclopramide is available in tablet and liquid form. It is usually taken before meals.
Side effects of metoclopramide may include:
Exercise caution when driving or operating equipment while taking metoclopramide.
Common brand name:
Muscosal protectors coat and soothe an esophageal lining irritated by GERD. They are usually given as a tablet or liquid and taken on an empty stomach. Consult with your doctor before taking sucralfate if you have a history of gastrointestinal or kidney disease.
Possible side effects include:
Common brand names include:
Antacids are a combination of three basic salts—magnesium, calcium, and aluminum—combined with hydroxide or bicarbonate ions. Antacids come in chewable tablet and liquid forms. Antacids help control the symptoms of GERD by neutralizing stomach acid.
Antacids are usually taken 1-2 hours after meals, as needed or as directed. They should not be taken at the same time as you take other medications because they decrease the absorption of many other drugs.
Possible side effects include:
Avoid antacids with calcium if you have high blood levels of calcium. Check with your doctor to see if you need any tests of your kidney function, calcium, or potassium levels.
Common brand names include:
H2 blockers decrease the amount of acid secreted by the stomach by blocking histamine release. This decrease in stomach acid reduces the symptoms of GERD, especially heartburn, and helps prevent damage to the esophagus that acid reflux can cause. H2 blockers can be taken as tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, or liquids. They should be taken at the same time each day. A dose is often given before bedtime to prevent acid reflux while sleeping.
Possible side effects include:
Whenever you are taking a prescription medication, take the following precautions:
If you take other prescription or over-the-counter medications or supplements, check with your healthcare provider before taking medications for GERD/heartburn. Contact your healthcare provider if side effects occur or you have any questions about your medicine.
References:
American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://www.aafp.org/ . Accessed March 7, 2006.
American Gastroenterological Association website. Available at: http://www.gastro.org/ . Accessed March 6, 2006.
FDA's MedWatch safety alerts: March 2009. US Food and Drug Administration website. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm142815.htm . Published March 23, 2009. Accessed August 4, 2009.
Griffith H, Moore S. Complete Guide to Prescription & Nonprescription Drugs . New York, NY: Berkley Publishing Group; 2001.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/ . Accessed March 7, 2006.
3/1/2010 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance: Maalox Total Relief and Maalox liquid products: medication use errors. US Food and Drug Administration website. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm200672.htm. Published February 17, 2010. Accessed March 2, 2010.
3/12/2010 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php: FDA approves name change for heartburn drug Kapidex. US Food and Drug Administration website. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm203096.htm. Published March 4, 2010. Accessed March 12, 2010.
5/28/2010 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance: FDA: possible fracture risk with high-dose, long-term use of proton pump inhibitors. US Food and Drug Administration website. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm213377.htm. Published May 25, 2010. Accessed May 28, 2010.
Last reviewed September 2009 by Daus Mahnke, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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