Heartburn is a burning sensation that occurs in the esophagus and is due to the failure of the stomach acids. Heartburn can be extended to the chest, back and throat. Thus the pain experienced by a person during the heartburn is immense, and as such requires the immediate consultation with a doctor. There are different types of medicine acidity available on the market, depending on the nature of the heartburn.
Often, simple drugs are sufficient to combat heartburn and other times, prescription drugs are a necessary treatment. There are four main kinds of medications for heartburn and are: antacids, H2 blockers, sparkling and Proton pump inhibitors. The drugs most commonly prescribed heartburn are antacids. These include drugs such as Pepto-Bismol, Alka-Seltzer, Riopan, Mylanta and Rolaids. All these drugs contain a combination of salts of calcium, magnesium and aluminium. These antacids can neutralize the acids in the stomach and prevent heartburn.
H2-blockers are also known as histamine receptor antagonists. These acids may decrease the amount of acid produced by the stomach. H2 blockers take more time compared with antacids to relieve a person of heartburn, but are much more effective in the long term. Examples of this heartburn medicine include Zantac and Pepcid and Axid. They provide immediate relief but in the short term. H2 blockers can be obtained with a valid prescription or at the counter. You can provide relief of heartburn or it can be used before meals to prevent stomach acidity.
Sparkling cover the stomach with a foam that prevents acid reflux and in this way, you avoid heartburn. Gaviscon is an example of a blowing agent. People suffering from serious heartburns, antacids and drugs may not be very useful, these people need to use Proton pump inhibitors. These inhibitors can reduce the acid in the stomach releases and prevent heartburn. People whose heartburn symptoms are not cured by H2 blockers also take this medicine for heartburn. Most Proton pump inhibitors is available by prescription, Nexium, Prevacid and Kapicid while some are available without prescription as Prilosec. Proton pump inhibitors may take a minimum of 1-4 days to show any effect and people who suffer from heartburn at least 2-3 times per week is recommended to use this form of medication.
Thus, different types of medicine for heartburn. Every kind of medicine acidity works in a completely different way and as such, it is absolutely necessary to first consult a doctor before taking any medication for heartburn. The severity of the acidity and the nature of the drugs and their effects on the body have to assess carefully before taking any medicine.
Different side effects of drugs can have too. Side effects may include headache, irritation of the tongue and stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation. According to the effect of these on the patient, appropriate drugs are prescribed by your doctor.
