Everything you need to know about acid reflux relief.
ANTACIDSBrands: Tums, Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta
How They Work: These alkaline OTC options, available in liquid or pill form, directly neutralize stomach acid once symptoms start
Side Effects: With some brands, diarrhea or loose stools; others may cause constipation
Best For: Anyone with occasional and/or mild symptoms that are easily controlled
HISTAMINE-2 RECEPTOR BLOCKERS
Brands: Zantac, Pepcid and Tagamet
How They Work: These OTC pills block the histamine signals that tell your stomach to make acid. You can take them to prevent trouble or to relieve symptoms that have already started. The pills can lose their effectiveness after being taken continuously for several days
Side Effects: Headaches
Best For: People who experience symptoms once or twice a week. Also for those who know what their trigger foods are and plan to eat them anyway
PROTON PUMP INHIBITORS (PPIs)
Brands: Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium, Protonix, Aciphex
How They Work: These prescription pills shut off the pumps that produce acid in the stomach and intestine. (Prilosec and Prevacid are now also sold as over-the-counter drugs)
Side Effects: Most commonly, headache, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Although more research is needed, recent studies suggest that taking a PPI, especially at a high dose, for a year or more is associated with an increased risk for hip fractures. The explanation is that PPIs might impair the body’s absorption of calcium
Best For: Sufferers with daily or nighttime symptoms
Read Marcia Menter's surprising account of how she conquered acid reflux.
