There are millions of people who are suffering from mild causes of acid reflux; for them, there are many over-the-counter products that can provide relief. It’s a good idea to have some on hand if you wake up with acid reflux in the middle of the night. While you can focus on the various branded products or recall advertising, you must look beyond that. Find out what common over-the-counter medications they have to offer based on their product type.
The over-the-counter medication that most people are familiar with is antacids. These are chewable products that help neutralize the acid found in the stomach. If you’ve just eaten foods that can trigger acid reflux, eat some of them right away. Using them can reduce the acid, and you will suffer less from acid reflux later.
The main ingredient in antacids is bicarbonate. This will create foam in the stomach absorbing much of the acid. Many people say that antacids have a chalky taste but that they help. There are flavors on the market now that taste better than plain. Some also contain calcium that your body can benefit from.
Histamine receptor antagonists work to reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces. This product is a good option for those who suffer from acid reflux several times a week. They get into the habit of using histamine before bed or even after every meal, depending on when acid reflux hits. That way, less acid can continually go up the esophagus.
H2 blockers stop your body from making acid, so there is less of it to cause problems for you. It would be best to inform your doctor before taking medication other than what your doctor prescribed. Because it can cause unnecessary drug interaction with medications prescribed by the doctor, and it can cause to reduce the absorption of the both drug. Although this is an over-the-counter product, it can make other types of medications you take less effective. You certainly don’t want to increase your risk of other medical problems to get relief from acid reflux.
When shopping for over-the-counter medications to treat acid reflux, you should take the time to read the packaging. That way, you can get one in the category of drugs you need for your particular acid reflux problems. If unsure, research online and talk to a pharmacist or your doctor. They can help you get on the right path.
You’ll also find that many of them are designed to stop acid reflux before it starts. This will help you feel better than if you use those over-the-counter medications that give you relief after it has already begun to hurt. Be sure to take all over-the-counter acid reflux medications as directed. If it says take twice a day, do so. If it says to take it after every meal, do so. Never take more than recommended as it will not provide any additional relief.
About 70% of acid reflux sufferers can get the relief they need from these over-the-counter medications. If you have tried many different ones without success, you may need to move on to something more powerful. Talk to your doctor about prescription medications that might work best for you.
If you find that acid reflux bothers you from time to time, over-the-counter medications may be the best solution. They are easy to get and affordable. If you have frequent acid reflux attacks, you should see a doctor. This is also true if over-the-counter products aren’t giving you the relief you need. You can get stronger medications by prescription for severe problems with acid reflux.