The majority of us go through the periodic attack of acid reflux, therefore we are familiar with the distressing burning feeling within the chest and also the sour taste in the mouth. Imagine if you had to grapple with those symptoms many times a week. That is the situation for patients suffering with acid reflux disease, not to be confused with kidney reflux that primarily affects the urinary tract. As the condition isn’t serious, it may certainly put a damper on one’s standard of living. The good news is there is effective acid reflux medication available for acid reflux disease that keep painful symptoms at bay and allow sufferers to savor daily activities once again.

Antacids

The first type of defense in treating acid reflux disease is generally an over-the-counter antacid. These medications are helpful in neutralizing stomach acids to cut down on painful symptoms. Common names of antacids include Tums, Rolaids and Maalox. The advantage of these medications is that they generally work rapidly. The main drawback would be that the effects do not last for very long. Long term use of antacids can also result in unpleasant unwanted effects like diarrhea or constipation.

H-2 Receptor Blockers

H-2 receptor blockers are usually the next thing in treating acid reflux disease. this type of acid reflux medication is found under commercial names like Pepcid, Tagamet and Zantac. The medicines work on acid reflux disease by reducing the quantity of acid the stomach produces, which makes it not as likely that acid will back up in to the esophagus. Although these drugs do not take effect as quickly as antacids, they are able to offer much longer pain relief. Some doctors advise their patient to consider a combination of antacids and H-2 receptor blockers for their acid reflux disease for the greatest of all possible worlds.

Proton Pump Inhibitors

Possibly the most widely known proton pump inhibitor is Prilosec, which is available both over-the-counter by prescription. Patients generally start with the over-the-counter medication and move to prescription strength if the first is not effective. These medicines are particularly efficient if the acid reflux disease has caused damage to the esophageal lining; given that they block acid production so healing can take place. One proton pump inhibitor, Prilosec Complete, includes both acid blocking medication as well as an antacid for many effective relief.