Medication
The types of drugs to treat the acid element of acid reflux are antacids that neutralise acid and acid blockers that suppress acid production. Those are H2 blockers (H2RAs), Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) and Potassium Combative Acid Blockers (PCABs).
If you need to use any of these drugs frequently,
please seek medical advice.
Antacids
These work immediately on excess acid in the oesophagus. They do not prevent acid reflux occurring.
They are drugs that neutralise the acid. Most commonly they are made of chalk, calcium carbonate. Examples are Tums or Rennie. Chemically, this reaction takes place:
Chalk (calcium carbonate) based. Examples are Tums or Rennie. Chemically, this reaction takes place:
CaCO3 + 2HCl → CaCl2 + H2O + CO2
(Calcium Carbonate + Hydrochloric acid gives Calcium Chloride (a harmless salt) plus water and carbon dioxide).
Warning. Excess calcium is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys where it may accumulate to form kidney stones. Excess calcium can also lead to calcification of the arteries which can cause myocardial infarction, heart attack.
Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) based, Example Alka Seltzer.
NaHCO3 + HCl → NaCl + H2O + CO2
(Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) + Hydrochloric (stomach) acid gives Sodium Chloride (common table salt) plus water and carbon dioxide gas).
Warning. Too much sodium in the diet can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
Alginates
Gaviscon is the brand name of the white milky liquid that floats on the stomach contents as oil floats on water to reduce the possibility of reflux whilst also providing a temporary protective film to the lower oesophagus and neutralising the acid with an antacid component. (Some generic versions are now available, such as Peptac.)
This old UK TV advert, remembered by many, shows how it works.
The drugs descibed below are all acid suppressants. Unlike antacids above, they do not neutralise acid already produced but prevent the stomach producing more.
H2 blockers
Histamine H2 Receptor Antagonists work to block signals telling the stomach to make more acid.
See this page for full details: Histamine H2 Receptor Antagonists
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are acid suppressants that reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach to help with the healing of oesophagitis, gastritis and ulcers.
See this page for full details: Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
Potassium Competitive Acid Blockers (PCABs)
Similar in som erespects to PPIs, PCABs are also acid suppressants that work diectly on the parietal cells.
See this page for more details: PCABs
This link directs to a page examining the claims for and against long term use of PPI medication.
Page updated 27 November 2024