by Mahnke D

Here are the basics about each of the medicines below. Only common problems with them are listed.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

  • Omeprazole
  • Lansoprazole
  • Pantoprazole
  • Rabeprazole
  • Esomeprazole
  • Dexlansoprazole

H2 Blockers

  • Cimetidine
  • Famotidine
  • Nizatidine

Antacids

  • Alka Seltzer
  • Maalox
  • Pepto Bismol
  • Tums
  • Rolaids
  • Mylanta

Prokinetics

  • Bethanechol
  • Metoclopramide
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

Common names are:

  • Omeprazole
  • Lansoprazole
  • Pantoprazole
  • Rabeprazole
  • Esomeprazole
  • Dexlansoprazole

PPIs block the stomach from making acid. They also heal the esophageal lining and protect it from stomach acid.

Problems may be:

H2 Blockers

Common names are:

  • Cimetidine
  • Famotidine
  • Nizatidine
  • Ranitidine

H2 blockers lower the amount of acid released by the stomach. They also heal the esophageal lining and protect it from stomach acid.

Problems may be:

  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Drowsiness
  • Confusion
Antacids

Common brand names:

  • Alka Seltzer
  • Maalox
  • Pepto Bismol
  • Tums
  • Rolaids
  • Mylanta

These will lower the amount of acid in the stomach. They work quickly to ease heartburn.

Problems may be:

Prokinetics

Common names are:

  • Bethanechol
  • Metoclopramide

These make the lower esophageal sphincter muscle stronger. They also help the stomach clear out faster. They are mainly given along with other medicines

Problems may be:

  • Drowsiness
  • Restlessness
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea

References

Acid reflux (GER and GERD) in adults. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults. Accessed March 18, 2022.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). American Gastroenterological Association website. Available at: https://aga-cms-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/2018214195040---All%5FGERD%5F2017.pdf. Accessed March 18, 2022.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-gerd. Accessed March 18, 2022.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Merck Manual Professional Version. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gastrointestinal-disorders/esophageal-and-swallowing-disorders/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-gerd. Accessed March 18, 2022.

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