There are many types of medications and treatments for acid reflux. Some will only offer symptomatic relief while others may help to prevent the symptoms from occurring at all.
Proton pump inhibitors are the most commonly prescribed medication for treating acid reflux. Inhibitors lower the level of acid in the stomach which causes the reflux of the stomach contents back up into the esophagus. It is important to note that people who take these types of medications have an increased risk of developing esophageal cancer and serious complications.
Antacids are another common type of medication for treating acid reflux. These types of antacids lower the acid levels in the stomach so the acids are more likely to stay in the stomach and do not travel up into the esophagus. While antacids can be effective in preventing acid reflux, they have some serious side effects. It should be noted that even though these antacids can prevent the symptoms of acid reflux, they are not a cure for acid reflux.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually used to treat acid reflux. This type of medication works by reducing the inflammation in the lining of the esophagus and stomach. While this medication is generally safe for most people, it can cause some severe side effects.
Ibuprofen is the most commonly prescribed ibuprofen. It is also a popular over the counter pain reliever.
You may also be prescribed an acid reducer such as Noni, Aspirin, or Pepcid. There are many types of anti-inflammatories that you can take. Each of these medications for acid reflux is available over the counter and can be purchased without a prescription.
Medications that are designed to treat heartburn should be avoided if you are pregnant. This is because these medications are considered “toxic” to a developing fetus. You should also avoid medications for acid reflux if you are allergic to any of the ingredients used in the medications.
If you find that you are allergic to the ingredients in one of the medications for acid reflux, you may have a severe reaction to the medicine. This can cause rashes, nausea, vomiting, or even seizures. You should consult your doctor if you suspect that you have an allergy to any of the ingredients used in any of the medications.
Many people don’t realize that the side effects of prescription medications can last longer than the symptoms of acid reflux. It is possible that you could have adverse reactions to several medications. In some cases, you may have to change medications before finding one that does not cause the adverse reactions that you are having.
If you stop taking the prescription medications you were taking for acid reflux, you may experience a rebound effect where the symptoms occur again after you discontinue taking the medication. These rebound effects could be serious and cause more harm than good.
It is important to speak with your doctor about the side effects of prescription medications for acid reflux. You may want to stop taking the medications if you discover that they are causing problems for you. However, there are several types of medications and treatments for acid reflux that can help control the symptoms and prevent them from happening.
