How do I choose the right medication for my heartburn?
While heartburn affects more than 50 million Americans each month, not all heartburn is equal and not all Americans suffer to the same degree. There are different medications to treat heartburn, and these various medications work in different ways. Consult your health care professional to discuss the treatment that is appropriate for your type of heartburn.
Episodic heartburn is a common type of heartburn. These infrequent bouts of heartburn are often predictable and are usually manageable through lifestyle adjustments and traditional OTC treatments (e.g., antacids, H2 antagonists, also known as H2 blockers). Antacids neutralize existing stomach acid and provide relatively rapid but short-term relief of heartburn symptoms. H2 blockers partially block production of acid in the stomach. The effect of H2 blockers varies depending on the specific product or brand used. One dose of an H2 blocker can last from six to 12 hours.
Frequent heartburn is heartburn that occurs two or more days a week. Frequent heartburn sufferers may also be those who medicate heartburn symptoms two or more days a week. It is estimated that more than 50 million adult Americans suffer from frequent heartburn.
The proton pump inhibitor (PPI) Prilosec OTC is the only OTC medication indicated specifically for frequent heartburn. Prilosec OTC provides 24-hour relief of frequent heartburn symptoms with one daily pill when taken as directed for 14 days. PPIs, powerful inhibitors of stomach acid production, virtually shut down the acid pumps in cells of the stomach where stomach acid is produced, leaving enough acid for normal digestion of food.
Severe or persistent heartburn, if suffered while or after taking the appropriate medication, could be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Individuals suffering from severe or persistent heartburn should receive prompt medical evaluation to confirm the presence or absence of GERD and determine the appropriate course of treatment for their heartburn symptoms (generally a prescription-strength PPI).
People who do not get complete relief through lifestyle changes and/or medication, or who require continuous medication, may need a more complete diagnostic evaluation.
National Heartburn Alliance
