GERD Medications

GERD refers to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, which is also known as acid reflux disease and heartburn. This disease is characterized by the back flow of stomach content to the esophagus. This sphincter is a muscular structure that helps to keep the stomach content to where it belongs. But at times, this esophageal sphincter can fail to perform normally, either due to an inherent defect in its structure or due to the weakness of the esophageal muscles. As a result, the stomach content including stomach acid and bile can flow back to esophagus and cause irritation of the lining of the esophagus. This can cause pain and a burning sensation in the chest. However, occasional and mild GERD can also be associated with overeating, excessive consumption of alcohol, caffeine and carbonated beverages, smoking, eating highly acidic and fatty foods, obesity and pregnancy. GERD or heartburn can be managed with various methods like, lifestyle modifications, medications and surgery.

Effective GERD Medicines

A number of medications are used for the treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, which include, proton pump inhibitors, antacids, gastric H2 receptor antagonist, coating drugs and promotility agents.

Proton Pump Inhibitors
These are the drugs that can reduce the secretion of gastric acid. They are usually taken orally and once in a day for the treatment of acid reflux disease. Some common proton pump inhibitors are, Omeprazole, Esomeprazole, Lansoprazole, Pantoprazole and Rabeprazole. Esomeprazole is one of the new medication, that has been found to provide quick relief in this condition. The most common side effects associated with proton pump inhibitors are diarrhea, gas, abdominal pain and headache.

Antacids
Antacids are the most frequently used medications for GERD. They are usually taken before meal or once the symptoms of GERD appear. Antacids can reduce gastric acidity by neutralizing stomach acid. These medications basically contain aluminum in various forms. They are usually available without prescription. Some common antacids used for acid reflux treatment are, Gaviscon, Mylanta, Rolaids, Maalox and Tums. Prolonged use of antacids can cause diarrhea or constipation, and accumulation of magnesium in the body, which can damage the kidneys.

Gastric H2 Receptor Antagonist
These are the antihistamines that can reduce the amount of acid in the stomach. Histamine is the chemical compound that increases acid production following a meal. H2 receptor blockers prevent this to reduce the secretion of gastric acid. H2 receptor antagonists are available in both prescription and non prescription strength. A few other examples are, Ranitidine, Nizatidine, Cimetidine and Famotidine. Common side effects associated with them are, headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, runny nose and dizziness.

Promotility Agents
Promotility agents are the medications that are used for emptying the stomach faster, and strengthening the lower esophageal sphincter. Some of the most commonly used promotility agents for the treatment of GERD are, Reglan, Bethanechol, etc. Cisapride is another promotility agent which is no longer used, as it was found to associated with QT syndrome. Common side effects caused by these drugs are, drowsiness, constipation and irregular heartbeat.

Sucralfate is a medication which coats the lining of the stomach and esophagus, in order to provide protection against the damage that can be caused reflux of stomach content. Below here are some other examples of medication for this condition.

• Omeprazole
• Lansoprazole
• Pantoprazole
• Esomeprazole
• Rabeprazole
• Dexlansoprazole
• Gaviscon
• Rolaids
• Maalox
• Mylanta
• Tums
• Ranitidine
• Cimetidine
• Nizatidine
• Famotidine
• Reglan
• Bethanechol
• Sucralfate

Some of these medications cannot be used in certain health conditions. Therefore, be sure to talk to your physician to know about the medications to avoid.

GERD Medicines for Infants

All medications are not suitable for infants and children. Physicians usually recommend lifestyle changes to treat GERD in newborns, rather than using excessive medications. Nevertheless, they may be required in case of severe GERD, which can affect the growth of the child. In such a situation, parents should know the medications that can be given to their children. Physicians usually prescribe proton pump inhibitors and H2 receptor antagonists.

Antacids are usually not recommended for long term treatment, as they contain aluminum, excess absorption of which may cause certain health problems in infants. On the other hand, the safety of Sucralfate in young children has not been established till now. Omeprazole and Lanzoprazole are the proton pump inhibitors that are usually used for infant GERD treatment. Among the H2 receptor antagonists, Cimetidine, Ranitidine and Famotidine are considered as safe and effective for treating GERD in infants.

While taking these medications, it should be kept in mind that their prolonged use can produce several side effects. Therefore, to treat GERD, it is better to rely on dietary and lifestyle modifications as much as possible. You can also talk to your physician to know about the suitable GERD diet, which can help you to control the GERD symptoms. If medications are required to cure the severe symptoms of GERD, then they should be taken in the appropriate dosage, and under the guidance of a physician or health care provider. This would help to avoid many of the side effects. Parents should be more careful while giving these medications to their children. Children should be given the medications for GERD only after consulting their pediatricians.