Acid Reflux Treatments Reviewed
We inspected hundreds of the best selling acid reflux treatments and chose the most effective solutions. We do the research, check the quality, and determine the top products on the market. Our goal is to remove the guesswork from product shopping, because when you’ve got health problems you need a cure fast, not a cabinet full of products that don’t work.
Top Acid Reflux Treatments (in order of superiority):
Mylanta
Acid reflux is an unpleasant condition that happens when the stomach produces excessive stomach acids. That acid may splash into the esophagus, which produces heartburn. Acid reflux can be caused by many things, but for most people heartburn is a simple irritation and a discomfort, not a life threatening danger. It’s often caused by over-eating or stress.
Mylanta is a popular and effective over the counter antacid. There are several different specific Mylanta formulas, each containing different active ingredients. Aluminum hydroxide, calcium carbonate, and magnesium hydroxide are the most common, though some include simethicone to help with gas.
For those with common heartburn problems, Mylanta is an excellent antacid choice to reduce discomfort and pain. Mylanta is inexpensive, commonly available, and effective for a wide variety of patients because it treats several causes of acid reflux simultaneously.
See a doctor before using Mylanta. It may not be safe for individuals with other complicating medical conditions, such as kidney disease. Like many other medications, Mylanta may interact poorly with prescription medications, making them less effective or causing harmful effects. If your acid reflux problems persist for more than a couple of weeks, a visit to the doctor is in order, as the underlying cause may be a more serious condition.
Nexium
Nexium (generic name Esomeprazole) is a prescription medication that is used to combat a specific type of acid reflex called GERD. Over the counter antacids like Mylanta may be sufficient for helping with occasional and temporary bouts of heartburn, but GERD occurs when stomach acids come into contact with the esophagus often enough to cause actual damage rather than simple discomfort.
Nexium works by binding itself to the part of the stomach that produces gastric acids. It decreases the amount of gastric acid produced, thereby decreasing the amount that backwashes into the esophagus. The same effect can be useful in treating stomach ulcers. Drugs that behave this way are referred to as “proton pump inhibitors.”
Most people have no side effects from Nexium, but headaches and dry mouth are sometimes reported. There are other common proton pump inhibitors, such as Prilosec and Prevacid, so if you have difficulties with Nexium your doctor might prescribe you a similar but different medication.
Zantac
As discussed, acid reflux is common and often caused by overeating or stress, temporary problems that may clear up quickly. Sometimes, acid reflux is accompanied by more severe symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea, which may signal a larger problem.
Zantac is a fundamentally different drug from Mylanta or Nexium, and goes under the generic name of Ranitidine. There is a prescription version, as well as a less potent variety called Zantac 75 that can be purchased without a prescription. It’s effective against GERD and peptic ulcers. Zantac stops the body from producing histamine2, a chemical that causes the stomach to produce acid. Drugs that behave this way are called “H2 blockers”, and they serve the same purpose as proton pump inhibitors, though they go about it different ways.
Zantac can be unsafe for people with existing medical problems, such as liver or kidney disease. It may also interact negatively with other prescription medications. Regardless of whether you take the prescription or non-prescription version of Zantac, a doctor should be consulted. Most side effects are very mild, but unusual problems such as vomiting or headaches should be reported to your physician immediately.
