H2 Blockers Used as Heartburn Medicine
Another class of medication for
heartburn is called "histamine receptor antagonists," or "
H2 blockers." These medicines lower the level of acid produced by your stomach. In general, these drugs are safely used by many people with heartburn. Examples of this type of medicine include:
These medicines are available by prescription as well as over-the-counter (not requiring a prescription).
These medicines can provide heartburn relief. They can also help prevent symptoms if taken before consuming food and beverages that are likely to cause heartburn.
You should take no more than four tablets of Tagamet HB or two tablets of the other acid reducers in 24 hours. You should not take the maximum dose for more than two weeks without consulting a doctor. Also, consult a doctor if you have swallowing difficulty or persistent abdominal (stomach) pain, as these symptoms may indicate a more serious condition.
Prior to taking Tagamet HB, people should consult their doctor if they also take any of these prescription drugs:
Proton-Pump Inhibitors Used as Medicines for Heartburn
People with
heartburn symptoms that occur more than twice a week or are not relieved with
antacids may have a condition known as
gastroesophageal reflux disease, or
GERD for short. For people with heartburn caused by GERD, another class of medicine may be recommended. These medications are called proton-pump inhibitors, or "PPIs."
These
heartburn medicines reduce the amount of acid that your stomach releases. PPIs are effective at both relieving heartburn symptoms and healing the damage that GERD does to the esophagus. They are often recommended for people who already have moderate to serious damage to the lining of their esophagus. They are also recommended for people whose symptoms are not relieved by H2 blockers.
Examples of this type of medicine that are available by prescription include:
Prilosec® (
omeprazole) is another proton-pump inhibitor that is available with or without a prescription. Prilosec is an alteration of the chemical structure of Nexium.
Previous
