[toc]Though a medicine is not recommended in every case of acidity, the severe symptoms definitely call for them. It is recommended to start the medicine, even if the burning bothers a person just three times a week. There are plenty of medicines available in the drug stores, you can choose one which either your doctor recommends or you find suitable for yourself. Most of the medicines are available over-the-counter, wherever a few can be bought only on the prescription. This article gives you general guidelines about the types of medicines available to you.
5 Prescription Medications For Acidity
Antacids
Antacids are the most popular over-the-counter (OTC) medicines that you can use. They neutralize the acids produced in the stomach and are quick in acting. Some of them are in liquid form, they are meant to coat the inner lining of the esophagus. The commonly found antacids are Maalox, Rolaids, Mylanta, Eno, Gelusil and Tums.
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Original price was: $20.10.$18.30Current price is: $18.30.Most of the people who suffer from mild acidity take these over-the-counter medicines. They give immediate relief when there is heaviness and burning in the stomach, but their effect is short-lived. Therefore, if one feels the need to take these antacids frequently, it should be noted that it’s time to consult a doctor. The overuse of these over-the-counter antacids can result in constipation, and diarrhea; and electrolytic imbalance in case the antacids have calcium as one of the constituents.
Oral Suspension Medicines
The liquid suspension coats the inner lining of the esophagus and helps in reducing the onslaught of acidity. They not only treat indigestion and heartburn, but also diarrhea, nausea and ulcers of the digestive tract.
Doctors prescribe oral suspension medicines only if the symptoms are less severe, like not more than twice a week. The names of these medicines are Carafate and Pepto-Bismol.
Anti-Flatulence Medicines
Some people suffer from bloating and pressure in their stomachs, whenever they have heartburn. Over-the-counter medicines Beano, GasX, Phazyme help in getting rid of this gas and bloating.
These medicines are usually in the tablet form, they break up the gas bubbles in the digestive tract and help in easier elimination of intestinal gas.
H-2 Receptor Blockers
These used to be sold with the prescription of a doctor, but now many countries are selling them as over-the-counter medicines. The common blockers are Zantac and Pepsid AC. The H-2 receptor blockers shut off acid production in the stomach. They are reasonably priced and can be used by the patients who have mild acidity.
The advantage over the antacids is that their relief is longer lasting, but on the flip side, they are slow to work. Hence it is advised that they should be taken half an hour before the meals for proper treatment of acidity.
Proton Pump Inhibitors
Commonly available proton pump inhibitors are Prevacid, Prelosec and Nexium. They not only block production of acid, but also heal the esophageal lining. These are prescribed to the people who have severe and more frequent symptoms.
Proton pump inhibitors should be taken under the guidance of a qualified doctor, though Prelosec can be bought as an over-the-counter medicine. They are being widely prescribed because they are relatively safer medicines and are found to be very effective acidity cure.
