Highlights
- Acid reflux medications treat problems like heartburn and GERD.
- In this guide for acid reflux medications, we offer comprehensive information about all treatment options.
- Acid reflux medications may treat symptoms or underlying causes.
- Use BidRx to get the best price for your acid reflux medications.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, about 20 percent of Americans have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The disease is prevalent worldwide, and scores of medications exist to treat the condition. In this guide for acid reflux medications, we list them all. We also take a look at how you can find the best prices for acid reflux medications.
What Are GERD and Acid Reflux?
In patients with GERD, the partially digested contents of the stomach frequently flow back up into the esophagus, the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach. Because this reflux is acidic, it can irritate the delicate lining of the esophagus.
- Acid reflux is the name of the medical condition that may occur in anyone, infrequently and for relatively short periods.
- GERD is the chronic form of acid reflux. If you regularly have mild acid reflux at least twice a week or severe acid reflux at least once a week, you have GERD.
- Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux and GERD. It is a burning sensation in the esophagus that feels like it’s emanating from the heart.
About Acid Reflux Medications
The treatment of GERD and acid reflux focuses on neutralizing stomach acid to give the esophagus time to heal. Some medications neutralize the acid directly. Others reduce the natural acid production of the stomach to reduce the acidity of its contents. A different class of GERD medications blocks acid production, allowing the esophagus to recover from the damage.
Some GERD drugs strengthen the lower end of the esophagus, reducing the frequency of its relaxations, thus preventing the stomach backwash from flowing up.
The classes of acid reflux medications are:
- Antacids
- Anticholinergics/antispasmodics
- GI stimulants
- H2 antagonists
- Various GI agents
- Minerals and electrolytes
- Antiemetics
- Proton pump inhibitors
- Urinary pH modifiers
- Phosphate binders
- Genitourinary tract agents
Antacids
Antacids work by chemically neutralizing existing stomach acid. They do not interfere with the production of acid. Antacids are predominantly over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Only aluminum hydroxide comes in a prescription-strength version.
OTC antacids include:
- Calcium carbonate (Calci-Chew, Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids, and others)
- Aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide/simethicone (Almacone, Mintox, Mylanta, Maalox, and others)
- Aluminum hydroxide/magnesium carbonate (Acid Gone, Gaviscon)
- Aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide (Alamag)
- Aluminum hydroxide (Alu-Cap, Alu-Tab, Amphojel)
- Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide/simethicone (Mylanta Tonight, Mylanta Coat & Cool)
- Calcium carbonate/simethicone (Alka-Seltzer Heartburn, Maalox, Gas-X)
- Sodium bicarbonate (Neut)
- Magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia)
- Magnesium oxide (Mag 200, Uro-Mag)
- Sodium bicarbonate/aspirin/citric acid (Alka-Seltzer, Neutralin)
Warnings and Contraindications — Antacids
Antacids only treat symptoms and are generally safe. Alka-Seltzer, which contains aspirin, may increase the risk of bleeding. Children under six, and people suffering from kidney disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, heart disease, or liver disease, should not take antacids.
If you take antacids for longer than two weeks, several times a week, talk to your doctor.
Side Effects — Antacids
Antacids produce side effects when you take them for longer periods.
- Aluminum can cause toxicity and constipation.
- Magnesium can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea.
- Sodium bicarbonate can increase blood pressure and cause bloating.
- Calcium can cause kidney stones, nausea, alkalosis, and vomiting.
Drug Interactions — Antacids
The calcium in some antacids can hinder the absorption of iron, tetracycline, and bisphosphonates. Antacids may also interact with pseudoephedrine, digoxin, and phenytoin.
Anticholinergics/Antispasmodics
Anticholinergics block the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, disrupting the communication line between the nervous system and smooth muscles. Thus, nervous impulses cannot cause contractions and spasms in the lower esophagus.
There is one prescription-based anticholinergic used for acid reflux, belladonna systemic (belladonna tincture).
Warnings and Contraindications — Belladonna
Talk to your doctor about your allergies and medical conditions before taking this medicine. Don’t take it if you have a fever.
Side Effects — Belladonna
Belladonna can cause a range of side effects:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Muscle spasms
- Decreased sweating
- Dry skin
- Hallucinations
- Difficult urination
- Fever
- Fast heartbeat
Drug Interactions — Anticholinergics
Belladonna can interfere with asthma medication, drugs used to treat Parkinson’s disease, cold medicines, and depression medicines.
GI Stimulants
Gastrointestinal stimulants speed up the motion of the contents of the digestive tract. In GERD, gastrointestinal motion slows down. By speeding it up, GI stimulants normalize digestion.
There is one prescription-only GI stimulant, metoclopramide (Reglan).
Warnings and Contraindications — GI Stimulants
Metoclopramide may cause muscle movement problems in those who take it for longer stretches. Overdosing on the drug or taking it for more than 12 weeks can cause irreversible damage.
Diabetics and older adults should avoid taking the drug. Never take metoclopramide before discussing it with your doctor.
Side Effects — GI Stimulants
Metoclopramide’s side effects can range from tremors and shaking to uncontrolled muscle movements. Even the more common side effects are a scary lot:
- Headache
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
Drug Interactions — GI Stimulants
Alcohol can aggravate the side effects of metoclopramide. The drug interacts with a host of other drugs like:
- Furazolidone
- Irritable bowel medications
- Blood pressure medications
- Some antibiotics
- Bronchodilators
- Insulin
- Tylenol
H2 Antagonists
H2 antagonists (also called H2 blockers) are compounds that block the secretion of stomach acid. These drugs act upon the cells in the lining of the stomach that produce gastric acid by blocking histamine-2. In GERD, these cells may produce too much acid, so blocking them allows the esophagus to heal.
H2 antagonists are available OTC, but some are available in prescription-strength versions as well.
- Famotidine (Pepcid, Pepcid AC, Pepcid Oral Suspension, Heartburn Relief, and others)
- Cimetidine (Tagamet HB, Leader Heartburn Relief, Equaline Acid Reducer)
- Nizatidine (Axid AR)
- Calcium carbonate/famotidine/magnesium hydrate (Pepcid Complete, Acid Controller Complete, Duo Fusion, and others)
Warnings and Contraindications — H2 Antagonists
H2 antagonists work best as parts of a complete treatment that includes dietary and lifestyle changes. Never take H2 antagonists without talking to your doctor.
Patients suffering from kidney or liver disease, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), stomach cancer, or long QT syndrome (fast, chaotic heartbeats known as arrhythmias) should avoid H2 antagonists.
Side Effects — H2 Antagonists
H2 antagonists may produce allergic side effects like hives, swelling of the face, throat, and tongue, and difficulty breathing. Seek medical help immediately if you encounter any of these side effects.
If any of these serious side effects occur, stop using the medicine and contact your doctor:
- Seizure
- Lethargy, confusion
- Hallucinations
- Sudden dizziness and the sensation of passing out
- Fast heartbeats
- Dark urine
- Unexplained muscle pain
- Fever
Less serious and more frequent side effects of this drug class include:
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Dizziness
- Headaches
Drug Interactions — H2 Antagonists
If you are taking H2 antagonists, your body will find it more difficult to absorb other medications that you also take orally. The reduced amount of gastric acid in your system tends to produce such effects.
Some drugs that interact with H2 antagonists are:
- Delavirdine
- Fosamprenavir
- Dasatinib
- Cefditoren
- Tizanidine
Many other vitamins and herbal products may also interact with H2 antagonists.
Miscellaneous GI Agents
When treating gastrointestinal disorders, doctors have an arsenal of GI drugs at their disposal. This arsenal includes digestive enzymes, antacids, parasite eradication agents, proton pump inhibitors, etc. The drugs that do not fit into any of those categories are miscellaneous GI agents.
No OTC medications fit this category, and there is only one prescription drug that does: sucralfate (Carafate).
Warnings and Contraindications — Sucralfate
Sucralfate is an agent that sticks to the site of an active duodenal ulcer, protecting the exposed tissue and helping it heal.
The body tolerates sucralfate relatively well. You shouldn’t take it if you are allergic to the compound. Talk to your doctor if you are diabetic, have kidney disease, or can’t swallow tablets.
Side Effects — Sucralfate
Sucralfate may trigger allergic reactions in some users. Contact your doctor immediately if you break out, your throat or tongue swells, or you have difficulty breathing.
Some of the less serious side effects of sucralfate include:
- Headaches
- Back pain
- Indigestion and bloating
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Dizziness
Drug Interactions — Sucralfate
Sucralfate may interact with vitamin C, vitamin D3, and metoprolol tartrate. It may also interact with scores of other medications, but we don’t know much about what those interactions entail.
Minerals and Electrolytes
Extreme cases of GERD may cause mineral and electrolyte imbalances in patients. The body can’t function properly when deprived of these elements. Doctors rely on outside sources of minerals and electrolytes to reestablish the balance, and alleviate the symptoms of GERD.
There is one OTC-only mineral and electrolyte drug:
Calcium carbonate (Titralac, Tums Regular Strength, Tums Smoothies, Calci-Chew) is the only OTC-only mineral and electrolyte drug. Magnesium oxide (Uro-Mag, Mag-Oxide) is the only prescription formulation used for acid reflux.
Warnings and Contraindications — Minerals and Electrolytes
Mineral and electrolyte solutions like calcium carbonate and magnesium oxide carry calcium. If you have kidney stones, kidney problems, high calcium levels, or problems with your thyroid, talk to your doctor before taking one of these medications.
Side Effects — Minerals and Electrolytes
Calcium carbonate and magnesium oxide and can cause some surprisingly serious side effects like:
- Rectal bleeding
- Bloody and tarry stool
- Vomiting coffee-grounds-like matter
- No bowel movements
The less serious but more frequent side effects are:
- Diarrhea
- Digestion problems and upset stomach
Drug Interactions — Minerals and Electrolytes
Minerals and electrolytes can interfere with antibiotics like penicillamine, blood-thinners, diuretics, and drugs used for the treatment of osteoporosis.
Urinary pH Modifiers
Acidic urine is a favorable environment for the formation of kidney stones. By turning the urine more alkaline, urinary pH modifiers reduce the risk of kidney stones.
Only one urinary pH modifier is used to treat acid reflux: sodium citrate (Tricitrasol).
Warnings and Contraindications — Urinary pH Modifiers
Doctors use sodium citrate as an anticoagulant to filter the blood of patients from particles that may cause disease. Sodium citrate comes in single-use containers that medical personnel can add to the tubing during apheresis procedures.
The people handling the solution should not reuse partially used products.
Side Effects — Urinary pH Modifiers
Sodium citrate anticoagulant may cause toxicity in blood recipients when medical personnel don’t handle the solution according to standard protocol.
Drug Interactions — Urinary pH Modifiers
Several drugs may amplify the anticoagulant effects of sodium citrate. These include:
- Acenocoumarol
- Acetophenazine
- Alclofenac
- Acemetacin
- Aceclofenac
Miscellaneous Genitourinary Tract Agents
Doctors use genitourinary tract agents for various diseases of the urinary tract, the reproductive organs, and the excretory system. The use of these agents for the treatment of GERD is off-label.
Genitourinary tract agents are prescription-based drugs. The only one used for acid reflux is bethanechol.
Warnings and Contraindications — Bethanechol
Doctors treat urinary retention (difficulty urinating) with bethanechol. Don’t take this medicine if you have:
- Epilepsy
- Asthma
- An active ulcer
- Bladder obstruction
- Low blood pressure
- Clogged arteries
Side Effects — Bethanechol
Common side effects of bethanechol are mild:
- Burping
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Flushing
- The urgent need to urinate
Others are rare but more serious:
- Slow heartbeat
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
Drug Interactions — Bethanechol
Bethanechol may interact with scores of vitamins, herbal products, and drugs. It also interacts with alcohol.
Proton Pump Inhibitors
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduce stomach acidity by binding to the proton pump. They all work the same way. Some may bind better to the proton pump than others, and some have longer-lasting effects.
All proton pump inhibitors are prescription-based drugs. A handful, including esomeprazole, lansoprazole, and omeprazole, are available OTC as well.
- Omeprazole (Prilosec, Prilosec OTC)
- Pantoprazole (Protonix, Protonix IV)
- Lansoprazole (Prevacid, Prevacid OTC)
- Esomeprazole (Nexium, Nexium IV)
- Rabeprazole (Aciphex, Aciphex Sprinkle)
- Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant)
- Omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate (Zegerid, Zegerid OTC)
Warnings and Contraindications — Proton Pump Inhibitors
Older people and those with liver disease should avoid taking PPIs. The only PPI that people with liver disease tolerate is esomeprazole.
Different people metabolize the drug at different rates. Those who take longer to metabolize it run a higher risk of side effects.
Side Effects — Proton Pump Inhibitors
PPIs may cause some side effects, although GERD patients generally tolerate them well.
PPI side effects may include:
- Bloating
- Vomiting
- Flatulence
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Fever
- Tongue discoloration
More serious — but rare — side effects can include:
- Kidney failure
- Persistent diarrhea
- Blood clotting problems in people with heart disease
- Lupus
Drug Interactions — Proton Pump Inhibitors
Drugs that can interact with PPIs include:
- Digoxin
- Methotrexate
- Various diuretic pills
Phosphate Binders
Doctors use phosphate binders to treat people with high phosphate levels. The drugs bind phosphates in the food and make it impossible for the digestive system to absorb them.
Aluminum hydroxide (Amphojel) is the only phosphate binder used to treat acid reflux. It’s available OTC as well as by prescription.
Warnings and Contraindications — Aluminum Hydroxide
Heavy alcohol users, dehydrated people, and those suffering from kidney stones or constipation should not take phosphate binders.
Side Effects — Phosphate Binders
Phosphate binders may cause:
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Painful urination
- Weakness
- Bloody stools
- Bloody vomit
Drug Interactions — Phosphate Binders
Phosphate binders interact with alcohol, ciprofloxacin, aspirin, vitamin C, and vitamin D3.
Find the Best Prices for Acid Reflux Medications with BidRx
Acid reflux and GERD can negatively impact your quality of life, making it impossible for you to do the things you enjoy. Constantly struggling with heartburn can take a heavy mental and physical toll on you.
BidRx can help. Let us help you find the lowest prices for acid reflux medications. Here’s how:
- Sign up.
- Create a bid for your prescription.
- Pharmacies across the country will compete for your business.
- Choose your pharmacy offer.
- Pick up your medications locally or have them shipped to your home.
See all acid reflux medications and create your bid today.
