Understanding GERD Medications
Over-the-counter GERD medications are key for managing the condition and relieving symptoms in the short term. Some medication for GERD can also help promote healing, reducing symptoms and help to prevent complications.
Over the Counter (OTC) Medication
Some OTC medication offers fast but temporary relief from mild or moderate GERD symptoms. Medications like antacids, alginates, and antacid-alginate combinations may be suited for occasional heartburn and mild GERD.
Many OTC GERD medications come as tablets, powders, or liquids. Your pharmacist can help you choose the best option for you.
If your symptoms persist or are severe, speak to your doctor. You shouldn’t rely on OTC medications in the long run, as they won’t solve the underlying problem.
Antacids
Antacids neutralise excess stomach acid and inhibit pepsin. Different antacids have different acid-neutralising abilities, but overall, they tend to provide relief and their effects last for a couple of hours. It’s best to take antacids soon after eating or with your meals.
But remember that antacids don’t treat the underlying cause of your symptoms, so you shouldn’t take them regularly in the long term.
Alginates
Alginates are made from alginic acid, a seaweed extract that forms a foamy layer when it comes into contact with stomach acid. This layer floats atop your stomach contents, acting like a physical barrier that keeps stomach acid from flowing back up and causing symptoms.
Antacids and Alginates Combinations
These medications are a combination of alginic acid and antacids like sodium bicarbonate or calcium carbonate. Gaviscon Double Action is a widely available antacid and alginate combination, which also comes as a liquid, tablet, or powder.
Antacids and alginates are generally well tolerated medicines, especially when taken in the right dose and for the right period of time. Side effects are uncommon and mild, and they include:
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Trapped wind
- Tummy cramps
- Feeling sick or vomiting
Please be sure to check the patient information leaflet for the Gaviscon product you are taking to see the side effects specific to that product.
Speak to your pharmacist if you take any other drugs or if you’re pregnant, for example, as some antacids may be more suitable to take during pregnancy than others.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) reduce acid production by inhibiting an enzyme known as the proton pump, which can be found in the cells of your stomach’s lining. This helps reduce how much stomach acid is produced.
PPIs are typically available over the counter or with a prescription — depending on how long you need to take them for — for frequent or severe GERD symptoms. Your doctor will usually recommend 4 to 8 weeks of the treatment, depending on how severe your symptoms are. Some people have to take PPIs for longer, or even as a lifelong treatment.
Common examples of PPIs include:
- Omeprazole
- Lansoprazole
- Esomeprazole (such as Guardium)
PPIs are generally well tolerated; however side effects can include:
- Headaches
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Feeling sick
- Tummy pain
- Feeling dizzy
- Rash
H2-Receptor Antagonists
H2-receptor antagonists, also called histamine H2 receptor antagonists, H2 blockers, or H2RAs, are OTC medications for GERD. H2RAs are also available with a prescription, especially when higher doses are required.
Healthcare professionals usually recommend H2RAs if other medications, like antacids or PPIs, haven’t worked for you.
H2RAs block a histamine receptor (stopping histamine from binding), which reduces how much stomach acid is produced. Common examples of H2RAs include:
- Famotidine
- Nizatidine
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you wish to consider H2RAs.
Prescription Medicine for GERD
If OTC GERD medication doesn’t relieve your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe a longer course of PPIs for long-term use, a higher-dose H2RA, or add H2RAs to your PPIs.
You may also be referred to a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist, who will further discuss treatment options with you.
To learn more, read our article, Is GERD a curable condition?
Diet and Lifestyle Adjustments for GERD
Diet and lifestyle modifications can be key for managing GERD symptoms. The following tips may help relieve your symptoms, depending on their severity:
- Find out what foods trigger your symptoms, for example, by keeping a food diary, and avoid or limit them
- Lose weight if you’re overweight
- Stop smoking if you do smoke
- Avoid wearing clothes that are tight around your waist
- Avoid lying down about 3 hours after eating
- If you have nighttime GERD, try sleeping on your left side and elevating the head of the bed
Remember that each person is different, but generally speaking, common GERD triggers include:
- Spicy foods
- Citrus fruit
- Tomatoes
- Fatty and oily food
- Alcohol
- Fizzy drinks
- Coffee
To learn more, read our article, Foods to avoid with GERD.
To learn more about potential heartburn remedies and what the evidence says, read our articles, Heartburn remedies that you could consider, and Remedies for acid reflux.
GERD medications can help relieve symptoms and prevent complications. Lifestyle changes and diet modifications are also key for GERD treatment. Speak with a healthcare professional about choosing the right approach for your symptoms.
OTC medications for GERD may offer fast relief and are generally well tolerated, although you may experience some side effects. However, they shouldn’t be used in the long term. If your symptoms persist, speak to your doctor.
To learn more about GERD, read our articles, How GERD causes physical symptoms and What is constant heartburn? Find out if it’s a curable condition and learn more about antacids.
