OTC and Prescription Medications for Heartburn

The medications for heartburn can be divided into four categories: Antacids, H2 Blockers, Proton Pump Inhibitors, and Promotility Agents.

Antacids, low potency H2 Blockers, low potency PPI are available Over The Counter (OTC). Full potency H2 Blockers, PPI, and Promotility Agents are available through prescriptions

Antacid

An antacid neutralizes acid as soon as it reaches in the stomach, providing fast soothing relief within seconds. The relief lasts about 1 to 2 hours.

Rolaids
Maalox.
Mylanta
Tums
Chooz

Pepcid Complete is a combination of Antacid and H2 Blocker, starts to work in seconds and lasts up 12 hours

Gaviscon neutralizes acid and creates a foam barrier on top of acid to work longer

H2 Blockers (Histamine 2 Blockers)

Histamine triggers the release of acid in the stomach. H2 blocker is absorbed in the blood stream and prevents (blocks) the Histamines to trigger the release of acid. H2 blockers are taken once or two times a day providing a relief for up to 12 hours

Pepcid AC and Zantac are among the most popular sellers.

Axid
Pepcid
Tagamet (generic name-cimetidine)
Zantac

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI)

These medications prevent release of acid in the stomach and intestines. Doctors prescribe these medications to treat heartburn, ulcers of the stomach or intestine, or excess stomach acid (Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome).
Nexium

Prevacid
Prilosec
Protonix
Aciphex

Promotility Agents

These medications speed up digestion (slow gastric emptying), so that acid does not stay in stomach for too long.
Reglan (Metoclopramide)

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