Acid reflux drugs in pharmacies, with and without a doctor's prescription

Excess gastric acid production will cause digestive disorders. This can be caused by improper habits or certain health problems, such as gastritis or GERD. Fortunately, increased stomach acid can be relieved by medication.

Recognize the types of drugs for rising stomach acid

Although needed, stomach acid can also cause problems when there is too much of it. This acidic liquid, if it is constantly in excess, can injure the lining of the stomach, stomach, and even the esophagus.

This condition can cause symptoms of ulcers, ranging from heartburn, bloating, nausea, heartburn (heartburn), until the mouth tastes bitter.

The number of symptoms as well as the underlying causes, of course, makes the choice of drugs for rising stomach acid very diverse. The administration of drugs will also be adjusted to the underlying condition and the severity of the complaint.

Broadly speaking, drugs are of two types, namely over the counter (OTC) or without a prescription and drugs that need a special prescription from a doctor.

The choice of stomach acid medicine goes up without a prescription at the pharmacy

If your acid reflux doesn't heal with over-the-counter drugs, your doctor may prescribe a drug that is more effective in treating stomach acid. Acid reflux drugs from doctors are usually not much different from drugs sold in pharmacies.

It's just that, the doses contained in these prescription drugs are usually stronger than drugs that can be bought over the counter. Examples of stomach acid drugs in pharmacies that require a doctor's prescription include the following.

1. H-2 receptor blockers by prescription

H-2 receptor blockers those who use prescriptions can generally relieve heartburn and treat acid reflux. Examples are famotidine, nizatidine, cimetidine, and ranitidine.

The content in the drug can suppress acid production, especially after eating. Therefore, this drug should be taken 30 minutes before meals. You can also take this drug before bed to suppress acid production at night.

These drugs are generally well tolerated by the body. But be careful, if consumed in the long term it can cause an increased risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Other side effects of using this drug are that it can cause headaches, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, sore throat, runny nose, and dizziness.

2. Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) by prescription

PPI drugs that are obtained through a doctor's prescription, usually contain a higher dose than over-the-counter PPI drugs. Examples are esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole, and dexlansoprazole.

The types of PPI drugs can help restore ulcers and underlying diseases, for example gastric ulcers and GERD.

This drug works by lowering stomach acid levels in the body while blocking the part of the cells that acts as a producer of acidic fluid.

PPIs are best taken one hour before meals. Although these medicines are generally well tolerated, they can also cause diarrhea, headaches, nausea, and vitamin B12 deficiency.

That is why, you are advised to pay attention to the rules for taking this medicine first. Usually, this drug is preferable to be taken on an empty stomach or before eating.

3. Lower esophageal sphincter strengthening drugs

Baclofen is an antispastic drug and muscle stretcher that works to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter (esophagus). By drinking it, it is hoped that the lower esophageal valve will loosen less frequently.

A loosening of the esophageal valve can make it easier for stomach acid to move up into the esophagus. Ultimately, the condition can lead to a burning sensation in the chest accompanied by pain, known as heartburn .

Heartburn usually identical in people with GERD, which is one of the various diseases that cause ulcers. However, it is important to note that the side effects of this drug bacoflen can cause fatigue and nausea.

4. Prokinetic drugs

Prokinetic drugs are usually prescribed by doctors to help the process of emptying the digestive system faster. In addition, this drug works to strengthen the muscles in the esophageal valve where it is not easy to relax.

The types of prokinetic drugs that must be obtained by prescription include bethanechol and metoclopramide. Although it is believed to be effective in treating ulcers due to stomach acid, this drug still has side effects.

These side effects include nausea, depression, anxiety, fatigue, weakness, diarrhea, and abnormalities in physical body movements.

Always obey the rules for taking this medicine, and consult your doctor if you are regularly taking certain drugs. The reason is, prokinetic drugs should not be taken carelessly with other types of drugs.

5. Antibiotics (drugs for stomach acid due to bacterial infection)

Antibiotics should not be taken carelessly. That is why antibiotics can be obtained only through a doctor's prescription and depending on the underlying cause of your condition.

If the appearance of an ulcer is caused by bacteria Heliobacter pylori , a new antibiotic drug will be prescribed. Just like antibiotics in general, as a drug to treat stomach acid, antibiotics are useful for killing bacteria.

Examples of antibiotics as stomach acid drugs include amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, tetracycline and levofloxacin. The doctor will also consider the type, dosage and length of time using antibiotics.

In certain cases, the doctor can prescribe antibiotics for two weeks along with other additional stomach acid-lowering drugs, such as PPI drugs.

6. Drugs protecting the lining of the intestine and digestive system

In certain cases, your doctor may prescribe medication that works to protect the lining of your intestines and digestive system.

This drug is called a cytoprotective agent, whose job is to help maintain the protective tissues of the digestive system and intestines. Examples of these drugs are sucralfate and misoprostol, which can only be obtained on the recommendation of a doctor.

Which type of stomach acid medicine to choose?

Maybe many times you are still confused about which type of medicine is good for treating your stomach acid. Actually, this depends on how often and how severe you have an ulcer complaint.

If your acid reflux symptoms are not frequent or severe, over-the-counter medications may help reduce your acid reflux symptoms.

However, if you have been using an over-the-counter acid medicine for more than two weeks and do not experience a decrease in symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. Because, this can actually make the symptoms worse if not treated immediately.

Some people may use a combination of over-the-counter medications with acid reflux drugs from a doctor. However, this is not always a good thing to do. Combining the types of drugs can cause certain side effects, such as diarrhea or constipation.

Therefore, it is recommended that you always consult with your doctor in order to get the best medicine to treat your acid reflux disease.

It is important to pay attention to possible drug interactions

If you only take one type of stomach acid medicine to restore an ulcer, it may not be a problem. However, if there are several types of drugs that are taken at the same time, you should pay attention to possible interactions between these drugs.

Here are some reasons why it is important to always investigate the risk of interactions before taking any type of medication.

• Drug interactions can affect how they work, as well as change the levels of these drugs in the blood.
• Drug interactions can increase the risk of side effects and poisoning.
• Drug interactions can worsen the health condition you are experiencing, rather than cure it.

On that basis, finding out what types of drugs can be taken together, and which cannot be combined together seems to be mandatory. Because by doing so, it can reduce your risk of experiencing more severe health problems.

Doctors or pharmacists usually have in advance to make sure the combination of ulcer relief drugs given is safe. However, it doesn't hurt to double-check and practice this on any type of medicine you intend to take.

You should also tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are regularly taking over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, dietary supplements, or herbal supplements to treat stomach acid. Make sure these vitamins and supplements are safe to take together with acid reflux drugs.

Do not hesitate to ask further questions with your doctor or pharmacist, if you have difficulty understanding the instructions for use listed on the drug label.

In addition, interactions between several types of drugs are also at risk of causing serious side effects, ranging from more severe health problems, injuries, to fatal consequences.

Even so, actually not all drugs taken at the same time will always cause interactions. The reason is, there are several types of drugs that may work better in the body when taken with food, drinks, or other types of drugs.

How to prevent the bad effects of drug interactions

The following actions should be taken if you do not want to experience bad effects from drug interactions.

• List any medications, vitamins, or supplements that have been regularly consumed in recent times.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the lifestyle changes you are undergoing. For example exercise, food intake, diet, and alcohol intake.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist about possible drug interactions with the combination of drugs you are taking.

The risk of drug interactions increases as more and more drugs must be taken. You need to consult a doctor or pharmacist, to eliminate one or more unnecessary drugs.

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