Updated May 04, 2015.

When it comes to treating heartburn, the first treatment option your doctor will most likely discuss with you is a "no medication" approach. This will usually involve lifestyle modifications and dietary changes. Other people have opted for home remedies to treat their heartburn.

Before you start taking any of these treatment options, or if you have any questions about any of the prescription medications or over-the-counter remedies you are using, talk to your doctor or your pharmacist, who will be able to answer your questions.

 

Using Acid Reflux Medications Wisely
If you decide to take medication for any medical condition, you should know how to take that medication wisely.

Tips for Seniors on the Safe Use of Acid Reflux Medications
If you are a senior citizen and on various medications, you no doubt know the importance of taking medication safely. These tips are designed to help you stay safe.

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Antacids

When used properly, antacids are useful in relieving occasional heartburn and indigestion. The active ingredient in antacids neutralizes stomach acid, which is what is causing the pain. If you do take an antacid, it should be used only for occasional relief of mild heartburn or indigestion. If you're taking antacids for longer than two weeks, then the heartburn may be caused by a more serious medical problem. Side effects from the use of antacids are very rare when this medication is taken as directed. Side effects are more likely to occur if antacids are taken for longer than recommended, or a higher dosage is taken.

• When Do You Need an Antacid?
  You know the feeling: Faced with many of your favorite dishes and beverages, you overindulged. Now you are facing the consequences: Heartburn.
• Can antacids help ease heartburn?
  Can antacids and other over-the-counter remedies ease the symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?
• Maalox
  Maalox is an antacid containing aluminium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide. These help neutralize or reduce stomach acid (antacid). Some formulas also contain Simethicone, which helps treat the gassy, bloated feeling (antigas).
• Mylanta
  Mylanta acts as an antacid and is most commonly used in the treatment of heartburn, gastritis, hiatal hernias and peptic ulcer. It is also used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• Tums
  Tums is used as an antacid to relieve heartburn, acid indigestion, and stomach upset.
• Chooz
  Chooz is used as an antacid to relieve heartburn, acid indigestion, and stomach upset.
• Rolaids
  Rolaids is used to relieve the symptoms of acid indigestion, heartburn, gas, and sour stomach.

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H2 Blockers

H2 Blockers

H2 blockers, also called H2-receptor antagonists, are medicines that reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces by blocking one important producer of acid: histamine2. Cell in the stomach lining, called parietal cells, produce acid. One of the ways these cells are stimulated to produce acid is with histamine. H2 Blockers reduce acid production by blocking signals from the histamine that tell the stomach to make acid. While there is a possibility of side effects when taking H2 blockers, most people tolerate H2 blockers well when they are taken as directed. Other medical conditions or medications could increase the odds of experiencing side effects. Also, if any side effects do occur, they most often require little or no treatment.

• What Are H2 Blockers?
  H2 blockers are medicines used to reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces.
• Pepcid
  Pepcid is in a class of medications called H2 blockers. It decreases the amount of acid made in the stomach. Learn what it treats, the special precautions, and side effects.
• Tagamet
  Tagamet is in a class of medications called H2 blockers. It decreases the amount of acid made in the stomach. Learn what it treats, the special precautions, and side effects.
• Zantac
  Zantac is in a class of medications called H2 blockers. It decreases the amount of acid made in the stomach. Learn what it treats, the special precautions, and side effects.
• Axid
  Axid is in a class of medications called H2 blockers. It decreases the amount of acid made in the stomach. Learn what it treats, the special precautions and side effects.

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Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
The proton pump inhibitors work by completely blocking the production of stomach acid. They do this by inhibiting (shutting down) a system in the stomach known as the proton pump. PPIs as a class of medicine are very safe, and only rarely cause severe side effects. However, because they can reduce your stomach acid, they can increase the chances of getting certain infections, and can decrease absorption of certain medicines. This is why it is important you discuss these medications with your doctor before taking them. Nevertheless, for severe side effects, and for symptoms of hives/breathing/difficulty swallowing, you should be sure to contact your health care provider immediately.

• Aciphex
  Aciphex is prescribed to treat peptic and esophageal ulcers, GERD, and erosive esophagitis.
• Dexilant
  Dexilant is is prescribed to treat GERD and erosive esophagitis.
• Nexium
  Nexium is prescribed to treat peptic ulcers, GERD, erosive esophagitis, and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome.
• Prevacid
  Prevacid is prescribed to treat and prevent peptic ulcers, erosive esophagitis GERD, and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome.
• Prilosec
  Prilosec is prescribed to treat peptic ulcers, GERD, and erosive esophagitis.
• Protonix
  Protonix is prescribed to treat damage to the erosive esophagitis and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome. 

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Home Remedies

Natural Remedies for Heartburn
Millions of people will suffer from heartburn. For some individuals, the episodes only occur occasionally, perhaps once a month. For others, heartburn can become chronic, occurring two or more times a week. There are treatment options available, but for many people, they prefer to use a natural, home remedy to treat their heartburn.

• Can Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice Relieve Heartburn?
  Deglycyrrhizinated licorice has been used by some people to relieve heartburn. But does it really work?
• Can Baking Soda Stop Heartburn?
  Can baking soda stop heartburn? Are there other ways of relieving heartburn?
• Can Apple Cider Vinegar Stop Heartburn?
  Can using apple cider vinegar help relieve heartburn? Does it do more harm than good?