Types of Medication for Heartburn

Heartburn, also known as acid indigestion, occurs when the stomach content flows back into the esophagus. It is characterized by a burning sensation in the following areas:

• Mid chest
• Behind the breastbone
• The upper part of the abdomen

The burning sensation can be blamed on the stomach’s digestive juices, which mainly consist of acid. People with heartburn can taste food or acidic fluid in the back of the mouth.

Some of the commonly prescribed medications for heartburn include:

1. Antacids: Antacids are the first drug choice for relieving heartburn, and they work by changing the stomach acid responsible for heartburn.
   • Some examples include:
     • Aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and simethicone
     • Calcium carbonate
     • Magnesium hydroxide
2. Histamine-2 (H2) blockers: H2 blockers relieve heartburn by blocking the action of histamine. Histamine activates stomach acid, especially after a meal.
   • Some examples of H2 blockers include:
     • Famotidine
     • Nizatidine
     • Cimetidine
   • Ranitidine was revoked from the market in the year 2020 due to the presence of cancer-causing agents.
3. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): These drugs block acid production for longer periods than H2 blockers. They should be taken one hour before a meal.
   • Some examples include:
     • Pantoprazole
     • Rabeprazole
     • Dexlansoprazole
     • Esomeprazole
     • Lansoprazole
     • Omeprazole

All drugs relieve heartburn to varying degrees. Although a proton pump inhibitor is the first choice and its effect lasts longer, it is associated with many side effects. Therefore, it is better to switch to cheaper alternatives such as H2 blockers. Call your doctor if your symptoms last more than two weeks.

Common side effects of antacids include:

• Brands with calcium or aluminum may lead to constipation.
• Brands with magnesium may lead to diarrhea.
• Rarely, brands with calcium may cause kidney stones or other problems.
• Consuming large amounts of antacids having aluminum might put you at risk of calcium loss, leading to osteoporosis (weak bones).

Common side effects of H2 blockers include:

• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Gas
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Dizziness

Common side effects of proton pump inhibitors include:

• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Gas

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

For heartburn relief, over-the-counter antacids are the safest medication during pregnancy. Proton pump inhibitors are an alternative if you find no relief from antacids. 

Always consult your physician before taking any type of antacids as some of them may contain sodium, causing more water retention. Some also have aluminum, which isn’t considered safe during pregnancy.

Your physician might prescribe the safest drug to consume during pregnancy.

Cimetidine may react with alcohol, leading to increased dizziness and drowsiness. Other drugs such as antacids and proton pump inhibitors don’t interact with alcohol, and combining them is safe. However, alcohol can worsen the symptoms of heartburn. It is better to avoid alcohol when you experience heartburn to prevent further progression.