Prescription Medications To Treat Acid Reflux Disease

Pharmaceutical treatment of acid reflux disease or GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease) is probably the most common and there are many prescription medications to treat acid reflux disease out on the market. There are three classes of medications that are used: promotility agents, proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers.

Both classes of drugs are only available by a prescription form the physician and should be monitored closely for any side effects. Each is used in a different situation with the GED patient.

Promotility agents
This class of drug is used in patients with a slow or sluggish digestive system. Promotility agents help facilitate the movement of gastrointestinal content through the esophagus, stomach and intestines. When the stomach is empty of food, the chances of reflux into the esophagus are significantly decreased. This patient’s digestive system produces the correct amount of necessary acids, but they are emptied at a slower pace. This causes the acid to remain in the stomach longer or to back up into the esophagus, thus manifesting the symptoms of acid reflux disease.

Drugs in this class include Cisapride (Propulsid) and Metaclopramide oral (Clopra, Maxolon, Octamide, Reclomide, Reglan Oral). Discuss any drugs you are currently using with your doctor. Drug interactions can be severe. Include in this discussion your use of alcohol, ANY illegal drugs, vitamins, minerals or herbal supplements you may take regularly.

Side effects are varied and include diarrhea, constipation, irritability and occasional stomach pain.

Proton pump inhibitors
These types of prescription medications to treat acid reflux disease are used in patients whose digestive systems overproduce gastric acid. Proton pump inhibitors, or PPI’s, decrease the production of gastric acid(s).

Some drugs in this class are Aciphex, Prevacid, Prilosec and Protonix. Interactions with other drugs can be severe. So, as always, be sure to tell your doctor about any and all other drugs, herbal supplements or anything you may be taking regularly at the time. Some things to avoid taking while using PPI’s include antibiotics, anticoagulants, sedatives, asthma medications, tranquilizers, seizure medications or ulcer treatments.

The side effects of PPI’s vary according to brand, but include itchiness, stomach cramps, dizziness, diarrhea, constipation and excessive gas or flatulence. Once you begin taking PPI’s, you should closely monitor the appearance of any side effects and notify your physician immediately if they occur.

H2 Blockers
H2 blockers work in the same way as PPI’s in that they block histamines (H2) to decrease the production of gastric acids. This type of drug was widely used until the development of proton pump inhibitors, which have a more pronounced and long-term effect.

H2 blockers are used to treat moderate GERD and can help heal mild to moderate esophagitis. Some common H2 blockers are Axid, Pepcid, Tagamet, and Zantac. Before you begin taking H2 blockers, check with your physician as drug interactions and side effects vary with each drug. There are more of these interactions and side effects to consider with H2 blockers.

If you are suffering the effects of GERD, you probably will need one of these prescription medications to treat acid reflux disease and to help your body regulate the digestive system. Consult your physician and let him know if you are taking anything else BEFORE you start on any of these medications. Every person is different, so which drug is right for you is subject to discussion between you and your doctor.

Aciphex