Prescription acid reflux remedies can include a wide range of medications and specialized drugs. All of these medications can generally be classified into two types, histamine blockers and proton pump inhibitors. Each type will address heartburn in a different way, and may work well for some individuals but not so well for others. Prescription strength treatments are stronger versions of the over the counter medications available, and these are usually prescribed when other treatment methods have failed or the acid reflux is damaging the esophageal tissue in the body.
If left untreated acid reflux can cause cancer in some cases, and it is important that this condition is brought under control. Histamine blocking products, also called H2 blockers, can be very effective in some cases. Histamine is the natural compound in the body that stimulates the production of acid and blocking this compound can lower the acid reflux symptoms.
Acid reflux remedies that include H2 blockers include both over the counter and prescription versions of the same drugs. Pepcid is an H2 blocker, and so is Zantac. Other medications in this category include Axid and Tagamet. The over the counter version is simply a weaker form of the drug with fewer potential side effects. If the condition is severe then the strength of the medication may be changed to require a prescription so that the symptoms are eliminated.
Proton pump inhibitors are the second type of medication that is used to treat acid reflux. These drugs actually work in the digestive tract to block the acid production that can cause acid reflux. These drugs usually last longer than the H2 blocker medications and can be effective for longer periods of time. These drugs are usually taken approximately one hour before food is consumed and they can be very effective in many cases.
Acid reflux remedies that work can be different for each individual. The cause of the acid reflux will determine which methods are used to treat this condition. In some cases a physician may need to be consulted and several treatments may be tried before complete relief is found. There are remedies that will work.
