Medicines
Treatment
There are several types of medicine available for the treatment of GERD, the most effective of which are the proton pump inhibitors. Treatment is intended to reduce acid reflux, thereby preventing damage to the esophagus.
Proton pump inhibitors
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Proton pump inhibitors provide rapid relief from the symptoms of GERD.
Figure 1: Proton pump
Figure 2: Proton pump inhibitor.
Acetylcholine, gastrin and histamine can increase the acid production with increasing the activity of proton pump. Proton pump inhibitor blocks the final step of acid production.
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These medicines block the action of the stomach’s proton pump (figure 1), which pumps hydrogen ions into the stomach, making the stomach acidic. Proton pump inhibitors will, therefore, reduce the acidity of the stomach (figure 2).
- They therefore reduce the acidity of the stomach contents leaking into the esophagus, which reduces the incidence of heartburn.
- Proton pump inhibitors are available from your doctor on prescription, and in some countries, can be bought over the counter.
Histamine2-receptor antagonists
- These medicines work by stopping (blocking) the action of histamine (a chemical released by the stomach). The presence of histamine in the stomach, results in the release of hydrogen ions into the stomach, making the stomach contents more acidic.
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Many histamine2-receptor antagonists can be bought over the counter at low doses but a doctor’s prescription is needed for higher doses.
Antacids
For people who only suffer from the occasional episode of heartburn, antacids can bring relief. These medicines can be bought over the counter. Antacids provide relief from the symptoms of heartburn by neutralising the acid. If symptoms of heartburn are still present after you have used antacids for 2 weeks, you should consult your doctor. There is a wide range of antacids available. The main ingredients of antacids are:
| Aluminium hydroxide Magnesium salts Calcium carbonate | Sodium bicarbonate Potassium bicarbonate Bismuth salts |
Antacids sold over the counter may cntain one or a combination of these products. For example, aluminium and magnesium salts are often combined to reduce the incidence of diarrhoea or constipation.
Antacids are best taken when the symptoms of heartburn first occur, preferably about 1 hour after a meal.
Antacids may interfere with the absorption of other medicines from the digestive system into the blood. A gap of at least 2 hours should be left between using an antacid and taking other medicines.
Alginates
Some antacids contain sodium alginate.
- Sodium alginate forms a ‘raft’ which floats to the top of the stomach, forming a barrier between the acid and the esophagus, thus preventing acid refluxing into the esophagus.
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