How is heartburn treated?
Over-the-counter antacids are the mainstay of treatment for heartburn. Other medications that decrease stomach acid, such as proton pump inhibitors and histamine H2-receptor antagonists, are also effective treatments.
Antacids for treating heartburn
Over-the-counter antacids used to treat heartburn include:
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Aluminum hydroxide (Gaviscon)
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Calcium carbonate (Tums)
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Calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide (Rolaids)
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Simethicone (Maalox Anti-Gas, Mylanta Gas, Gas-X)
Proton pump inhibitors for treating heartburn
Proton pump inhibitors that are effective in the treatment of heartburn include:
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Esomeprazole (Nexium)
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Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
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Omeprazole (Prilosec)
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Pantoprazole (Protonix)
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Rabeprazole (Aciphex)
Histamine H2-receptor antagonists for treating heartburn
Histamine H2-receptor antagonists that are effective in the treatment of heartburn include:
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Cimetidine (Tagamet)
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Famotidine (Pepcid)
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Nizatidine (Axid)
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Ranitidine (Zantac)
Other treatment options for heartburn include prokinetics, such as bethanechol (Urecholine) and metoclopramide (Reglan), which improve the function of the valve between the esophagus and the stomach and help the stomach empty its contents more quickly.
Because heartburn medications have different mechanisms of action, they can be used in combination if a single type of medication is ineffective for relieving symptoms. Your health care provider can help you design a treatment plan that is most effective for you. Finally, if heartburn is not relieved by medication, surgical procedures designed to improve the valve strength and function are an option.
What are the potential complications of heartburn?
You can help minimize your risk of serious complications by following the treatment plan you and your health care professional design specifically for you. Complications of heartburn include:
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Barrett’s esophagus (cellular changes in the esophageal lining that are precursors to esophageal cancer)
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Cancer of the esophagus
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Erosive esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus)
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Esophageal scarring and narrowing
References:
Understanding heartburn and reflux disease. American Gastroenterological Association. http://www.gastro.org/patient-center/digestive-conditions/heartburn-gerd. Accessed May 6, 2011.
Heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux (GER), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gerd/. Accessed May 6, 2011.
INTRODUCTION
What is heartburn?
Heartburn is the sensation of burning and pain in the region behind the breastbone (sternum) and in the upper abdomen. It is typically a symptom of a condition known as acid indigestion or acid reflux. The burning pain of heartburn is the result of stomach acid moving upward into the back of the throat, causing i...
Read more about heartburn introduction
SYMPTOMS
What are the symptoms of heartburn?
Heartburn is caused by the backward movement of stomach contents into the esophagus, which may result in a number of symptoms. The symptoms can vary in intensity among individuals....
Read more about heartburn symptoms
CAUSES
What causes heartburn?
Heartburn is commonly the result of overeating, drinking alcohol while eating, or consuming greasy or spicy foods. It can also be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Once you experience heartburn, it may never return or it may recur frequently. Heartburn can also result if the valve between the stomach and the esophagus becomes dysfunctional and allows stomach contents to enter the esophagus....
Read more about heartburn causes
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