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Acid Reflux: Standard Medications

By: Frank Robson The doctor may describe what type of medication for your acid reflux after considering things like age, pre-existing diseases, side effects and what stage of life you're at.

Different medications do different things. Some will reduce the acid created, some will improve muscle performance in the stomach area and some will help to clear the stomach. Most medications are available over the counter but you should still check with the doctor before you take anything.

Antacids are most common. The majority uses these. . These medications contain magnesium, calcium or aluminum salts. These are supposed to have the best effect when present in the hydroxide or bicarbonate form. They are used to neutralize the stomach acid. However, these medications also have undesirable side effects like constipation. (due to aluminum) and diarrhea (due to magnesium). Since these are normally over-the-counter medications, those with pre-existing disease like diabetes, need to worry about and take great care while using magnesium salts. Repeated episodes of diarrhea along with intake of diabetes medication, can lead to life threatening situations.

There is also what is known as Foaming agents, often marketed under names like Gaviscon. These generate a kind of Foam in the abdominal cavity, which covers the reflux acid in the stomach, and keeps it from swishing up through the Esophageal Sphincter.

Medications we hear of, frequently, like Pepcid, Zantac etc, come under the category H2 blockers. These drugs actually decrease acid production. Cimetidine ,Pepcid, nizatidine, and Zantac come in this category. and fifty percent of Acid Reflux sufferers find relief from these medications. It is , however, advisable at all times to fix the dosage in consultation with your doctor, and avoid trial and error methods.

Then we have what are called Proton Pump Inhibitors drugs that differ and cause long-lasting reduction of gastric acid production. They are the most potent medications available. Prilosec, Zegerid, Prevacid, Protonix, Aciphex, Nexium, are all-available by prescription. Proton pump inhibitors are more effective than H2 blockers.

Prokinetics will help to strengthen the Lower Sphincter and clear the stomach quicker. They are unpopular as they have many side effects such as depression, anxiety, fatigue, sleeplessness and co-ordination etc.

Ideally, the doctor will normally recommend a combination of the various drugs based on your own specific Acid Reflux situation.

Article Source: http://www.lifeweightloss.com

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