Different Types of Heartburn Medicine

Heartburn is basically a burning sensation that occurs in the esophagus and is due to the regurgitation of the stomach acids. Heartburn can spread to the chest, back and throat. Thus, the pain a person experiences during heartburn is immense, and as such immediate consultation with a doctor is required. There are different types of heartburn medicine available in the market, depending on the nature of the heartburn.

Many times, simple over the counter medications are enough to combat heartburn and at other times, prescription drugs are a required to treat it. There are four main classes of medication available for heartburn and they are: antacids, H2 blockers, foaming agents and proton-pump inhibitors. The most commonly prescribed medicines for heartburn are antacids. These include medicines such as Pepto-Bismol, Alka-Seltzer, Riopan, Mylanta and Rolaids. All these medicines contain a combination of magnesium, aluminum and calcium salts.  These antacids can neutralize the acids present in the stomach and prevent heartburn.

H2 blockers are also known as histamine receptor antagonists. These acids can lessen the amount of acids that the stomach produces. H2 blockers take a longer time as compared to antacids to relieve a person of heartburn but are much more effective in the long run. Some examples of this heartburn medicine are Axid, Zantac and Pepcid. They provide relief immediately but on a short-term basis. H2 blockers can be obtained with a valid prescription or over the counter. They can provide relief from heartburn or can be used before meals to prevent heartburn.

Foaming agents cover the entire stomach with foam which prevents acid reflux and in this way, heartburn is prevented. Gaviscon is an example of a foaming agent. People who suffer from serious heartburns, antacids and over the counter medications may not be very useful, such people need to use the proton pump inhibitors. These inhibitors can reduce the acid the stomach releases and prevent heartburn. People whose heartburn symptoms are not cured by H2 blockers also take this heartburn medicine. Most of the proton pump inhibitors are available on prescription such as Nexium, Prevacid, and Kapicid while some are available without prescription such as Prilosec. Proton pump inhibitors may take a minimum of 1-4 days to show any effect and people who suffer from heartburn for a minimum of 2-3 times per week are recommended to use this form of medication.

Thus, there are different types of heartburn medicine available.  Every class of heartburn medicine works in a completely different manner and as such, prior consultation with a doctor is absolutely necessary before taking any heartburn medicine. The seriousness of the heartburn and the nature of the drugs and their effect on the body have to be carefully assessed before taking any medication.

There may be different side-effects of medication drugs too. Side effects could include headaches, irritation of the tongue and stomach, diarrhea, vomiting and constipation. Depending on the effect of these on the patient, suitable drugs are prescribed by the doctor.