When over-the-counter medications, such as antacids, are inadequate in treating GERD, doctors will prescribe stronger medications.  

Medication for GERD: the right kind and strength can help you live a normal life

We have been following Elena, a GERD patient, and her journey.  In order to aid in the healing of her esophagus, Elena has adopted new habits and dietary limitations, as seen in recent posts.  She was finding it harder to manage her GERD, and some of the over-the-counter antacids were really making her sick.

Her primary care physician recommended her to Digestive Disease Consultants’ gastroenterologist as the intensity of her bouts increased. She wanted to receive new prescriptions from her doctor to aid with her illness.  Her stomach turned at the thought of ingesting tablets, since she had previously experienced some trouble with swallowing.  She feared the side effects and wondered what they would be.  What kind of drugs may she anticipate receiving from her physician?

Drugs to Stop the Burn: Beneficial H2 Blockers

More potent prescription versions of effective H2 blockers and histamine blockers are available than those sold over-the-counter.  So don’t assume that they aren’t potent medications.

If taking antacids without a prescription doesn’t help, consider taking GERD medication seriously.

This drug acts by traveling to highly specialized receptors that are found on the surface of the stomach’s cells.  Interestingly, such cells are in charge of secreting digesting acids.  “By blocking specific chemical reactions, the medication reduces the amount of acid these cells can produce.”

Studies have indicated that the medication can lower acid discharges by as much as 70% in a 24-hour period, and some patients have claimed incredible outcomes. Consequently, the inflammation will go down because the drug reduces the quantity of acid the stomach releases.

H2 blockers include the following names: ranitidine (Zantac), famotidine (Pepcid), citetidine (Tagamet HB200), and negatidine (Axid).

A few patients have mentioned experiencing generic side symptoms such headaches, gas, diarrhea, and stomach pain.  Although some patients had sore throats and lightheadedness, most of them tolerate these drugs rather well.

Pharmaceutical Intervention to Avoid Symptoms: Potent Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

It is thought that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) inhibit the generation of acid more effectively than H-2 receptor blockers.  It is well known that these drugs can aid in the healing of esophageal inflammation. GERD patients are typically advised by their doctors to take PPIs before meals.

Medication to Prevent Symptoms:  Powerful Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

Proton Pump Inhibitors  (PPI’s) are considered to be stronger blockers of acid production than H-2-receptor blockers.  These medications are famous for helping to heal an inflamed esophagus. Doctors usually tell GERD patients to take their PPIs before meals.

Mayo clinic has lined up names of the most popular “prescription-strength proton pump inhibitors.” They include:

  • esomeprazole (Nexium),
  • lansoprazole (Prevacid),
  • omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid),
  • pantoprazole (Protonix), rabeprazole (Aciphex)
  • and dexlansoprazole (Dexilant).

While Elena was researching this type of medication, she took note that if taken for long periods of time, PPI’s might increase the risk of broken bones or a deficiency of vitamin B-12.

When over-the-counter antacids do not work, consider GERD medication

The names of the most well-liked “prescription-strength proton pump inhibitors” are arranged by the Mayo Clinic. These include of pantoprazole (Protonix), rabeprazole (Aciphex), omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid), lansoprazole (Prevacid), and dexlansoprazole (Dexilant).

Elena noticed that PPIs may raise the risk of fractured bones or a vitamin B-12 deficiency if taken for extended periods of time when doing research on this kind of drug.

Testing To Ascertain Risks of GERD Complications

Doctors may recommend the drug Baclofen, which addresses GERD symptoms in a different way.  “Baclofen is a muscle relaxant and anti-spastic used to treat pain, stiffness, and skeletal muscle spasms.”  The “frequency of relaxations of the lower esophageal sphincter” is lowered by it.

As a result, the way that Baclofen reacts to the drug reduces reflux of the stomach.  Notwithstanding its negative effects, which include mental disorientation, general weariness, headaches, low blood pressure, and insomnia, Baclofen may be particularly helpful if the reflux is quite severe.

Beyond Medication:  Coming Features for Future Blog Articles

Remember that your symptoms might not be just simple dyspepsia if your doctor suggests an ECG or “endoscopy.”  Additionally, appropriate therapy can start as soon as we determine your risk level for esophageal cancer or Barrett’s esophagus.

Additionally, the general population is ignorant of the plethora of novel technology and treatment modalities available for digestive system ailments.  DDC Orlando’s committed medical professionals are here to help because of this.

Elena dutifully made an appointment for her endoscopy and filled her new prescriptions.  She noticed that she was looking forward to learning more about her illness.

Finally, she made the decision to learn how to “get along with Gertie,” or as her child would say, deal with her GERD.

To find out more about endoscopy and other tests we perform for patients like Elena, kindly return to our site soon.