If you’re dealing with that burning feeling after a meal, you’ve probably tried a few over‑the‑counter pills already. But not every medicine works the same way, and sometimes you need a stronger option. Below we break down the most common acid reflux meds, how they act, and when it’s time to see a doctor.
The easiest place to start is the pharmacy aisle. Antacids like Tums, Maalox, or Mylanta contain calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide. They work fast by neutralizing stomach acid, so you’ll feel relief in minutes. The trade‑off is that they only last a short time, and you might need several doses a day.
For longer lasting help, look for H2 blockers such as famotidine (Pepcid) or ranitidine (Zantac). These drugs reduce the amount of acid your stomach makes. They don’t act instantly, but they can keep symptoms down for up to 12 hours. You can take them once or twice a day, and they’re safe for most adults.
If you want an even stronger block, proton‑pump inhibitors (PPIs) are available without a prescription in low doses. Brands like omeprazole (Prilosec OTC) and lansoprazole (Prevacid 24HR) suppress acid production at the source. They’re best taken before breakfast and may need several days to reach full effect. PPIs are great for frequent heartburn, but using them every day for months without a doctor’s guidance can lead to side effects.
If OTC meds aren’t cutting it, a doctor can prescribe higher‑dose PPIs or other options. Prescription omeprazole, esomeprazole (Nexium), or pantoprazole often come in 20 mg or 40 mg tablets and work stronger than their OTC cousins. They’re usually taken once daily, but some people need twice‑daily dosing for severe GERD.
Another prescription route is a prokinetic drug like metoclopramide. It helps the stomach empty faster, which can lessen reflux episodes. However, it may cause dizziness or tiredness, so doctors monitor its use closely.
In rare cases where medication isn’t enough, surgery or endoscopic procedures might be recommended. Those options are for people with chronic damage to the esophagus or who can’t tolerate meds.
How do you choose? Start simple: try an antacid when you feel the burn, and see if it helps. If symptoms happen more than twice a week, move up to an H2 blocker. When heartburn becomes a daily problem, switch to a PPI—first OTC, then prescription if needed.
Keep track of what triggers your reflux—spicy foods, coffee, alcohol, or large meals—and pair medication with lifestyle changes. Eating smaller portions, waiting two hours before lying down, and raising the head of your bed can boost any drug’s effectiveness.
Bottom line: you don’t have to live with constant heartburn. Start with the right over‑the‑counter option, and talk to a doctor if relief doesn’t come quickly or if you need long‑term control. The right acid reflux medication combined with simple habit tweaks can keep your stomach calm and your day comfortable.
