

How does taking antacids affect you long-term? Prescription proton pump inhibitors are generally given for short-term use (4-8 weeks) to help control acid reflux and stomach ulcers. However, most over-the-counter treatments for heartburn are not meant to be taken every day for a long time. Can you take acid reflux medicine every day?įrequent heartburn or GERD (occurring more than twice a week) usually responds best to a heartburn medicine such as a proton pump inhibitor taken every day as directed rather than as needed at the onset of heartburn symptoms. Some PPIs are over-the-counter products, while others will require prescriptions. Examples of PPIs include pantoprazole (Protonix), omeprazole (Prilosec), esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), and rabeprazole (Aciphex). Proton pump inhibitors are used to treat more severe symptoms, including patients with esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus) seen on endoscopic examination. H2 blockers are available as over-the-counter products or with a prescription. Examples include famotidine (Pepcid AC), cimetidine (Tagamet), and nizatidine (Axid AR). H2 receptor antagonists are usually the first-choice treatment for patients with mild GERD symptoms. Both types of drugs work by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach. However, if the symptoms of GERD are severe, persistent, and do not respond to lifestyle modifications, two types of medications can be used to treat the condition-H2 blockers (H2 receptor antagonists) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Lifestyle changes and antacids can help relieve symptoms in most people with mild acid reflux. What medications are used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

However, is it safe to take these drugs long-term? Please continue reading to learn about some long-term side effects of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and other medications used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease or severe heartburn. People with GERD can take medications to decrease acid production. However, it is estimated that approximately 1 in 5 Americans suffers from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a type of chronic acid reflux in which gastric acid and other stomach contents persistently flow back into the esophagus. Over-the-counter medications such as Tums and Rolaids can usually provide heartburn relief in most cases. Burning lower chest pain symptoms occur due to increased acid production and stomach acid back-flowing into the esophagus (food pipe from the throat to the stomach). Most people have experienced occasional acid reflux and heartburn, for example, after a fatty or spicy meal.
