“What are the over-the-counter and prescription medications for GERD?”
I have GERD. What are the over-the-counter and prescription medications for GERD?
2 Answers
FamilyMedicineGastroenterologist
OTC meds: pepcid, Tums, prilosic, nexium.
Rx meds: multiple proton pump inhibitors at higher doses than are available OTC. There is also a new class of Rx antiacid and the one approved version is called Voquezna, but it may be denied by insurance.
Rx meds: multiple proton pump inhibitors at higher doses than are available OTC. There is also a new class of Rx antiacid and the one approved version is called Voquezna, but it may be denied by insurance.
With GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), treatment focuses on reducing stomach acid and preventing damage to the esophagus. Medications fall into over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription categories.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications
• Antacids: Provide quick relief by neutralizing stomach acid (Tums, Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta). Best for mild, occasional symptoms.
• H2 Blockers: Reduce acid production and offer longer relief than antacids (Pepcid [famotidine], Tagamet [cimetidine]).
• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): More effective at reducing acid and healing esophageal damage (Prilosec [omeprazole], Nexium [esomeprazole], Prevacid [lansoprazole]). Recommended for frequent symptoms but should not be used long-term without medical supervision.
Prescription Medications
• Stronger PPIs: Higher doses of omeprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole, or dexlansoprazole for persistent GERD or esophageal damage.
• Stronger H2 Blockers: Higher-dose famotidine may be prescribed if PPIs are not suitable.
• Prokinetics: Help empty the stomach faster to reduce reflux (metoclopramide, domperidone—less commonly used due to side effects).
• Foam Barriers: Gaviscon (alginic acid) creates a protective barrier on stomach contents to prevent reflux.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications
• Antacids: Provide quick relief by neutralizing stomach acid (Tums, Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta). Best for mild, occasional symptoms.
• H2 Blockers: Reduce acid production and offer longer relief than antacids (Pepcid [famotidine], Tagamet [cimetidine]).
• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): More effective at reducing acid and healing esophageal damage (Prilosec [omeprazole], Nexium [esomeprazole], Prevacid [lansoprazole]). Recommended for frequent symptoms but should not be used long-term without medical supervision.
Prescription Medications
• Stronger PPIs: Higher doses of omeprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole, or dexlansoprazole for persistent GERD or esophageal damage.
• Stronger H2 Blockers: Higher-dose famotidine may be prescribed if PPIs are not suitable.
• Prokinetics: Help empty the stomach faster to reduce reflux (metoclopramide, domperidone—less commonly used due to side effects).
• Foam Barriers: Gaviscon (alginic acid) creates a protective barrier on stomach contents to prevent reflux.
