The doctor may describe what type of medication for your acid reflux after considering things like age, pre-existing diseases, side effects and what stage of life you’re at.
Some medications are designed to reduce the production of acid, some enhance the muscle performnce in the abdomen, and some help in clearing the stomach. Most medications would be available across the counter, but it is always better to check things out with your doctor before starting on anything.
Antacids are most common. The majority uses these. . These medications contain magnesium, calcium or aluminum salts. These are supposed to have the best effect when present in the hydroxide or bicarbonate form. They are used to neutralize the stomach acid. However, these medications also have undesirable side effects like constipation. (due to aluminum) and diarrhea (due to magnesium). Since these are normally over-the-counter medications, those with pre-existing disease like diabetes, need to worry about and take great care while using magnesium salts. Repeated episodes of diarrhea along with intake of diabetes medication, can lead to life threatening situations.
You can also buy a product called Gaviscon which is a foaming agent. It produces a type of foam that coats the acid reflux and stops it from coming back through the Esopheal Sphincter.
Other medications like Pepcid and Zantac are referred to as H2 blockers. They will lessen the acid production. Cimetidine, Pepcid, nizatidine and Zantac are in this group which can work on as many as 50 percent of suffers. It is always advisable to talk with your doctor to set a doseage for these medications.
Then we have what are called Proton Pump Inhibitors drugs that differ and cause long-lasting reduction of gastric acid production. They are the most potent medications available. Prilosec, Zegerid, Prevacid, Protonix, Aciphex, Nexium, are all-available by prescription. Proton pump inhibitors are more effective than H2 blockers.
Prokinetics will help to strengthen the Lower Sphincter and clear the stomach quicker. They are unpopular as they have many side effects such as depression, anxiety, fatigue, sleeplessness and co-ordination etc.
Generally your doctor will treat you with various drugs depending on your own unique situation.
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