Treatment
TREATMENT
To manage the discomfort of acid reflux, products either neutralise the acid, form a barrier over the acid or reduce the amount of acid produced.
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ANTACIDS
Antacids work by neutralising the acid. Many different types of antacids are available and they may contain aluminium or magnesium salts. They should be taken when symptoms are expected, between meals and at bedtime. Be aware that although antacids do not usually cause many side effects, they can sometimes cause diarrhoea, constipation, flatulence, stomach cramps and feeling sick or vomiting.4
Antacids may affect the absorption of other medication, so other medicines should not be taken within 2-4 hours of taking an antacid.4
ALGINATES
Alginates (sodium alginate) form a gel-like raft on top of the stomach contents. This reduces the irritation in the oesophagus by the acidic stomach contents. Some can be combined with an antacid, which can increase the viscosity of the stomach contents.
With antacids and alginate preparations, you may need to be aware of the sodium content for customers on a sodium-restricted diet.5
PPIs
Omeprazole is an example of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). They act to reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach by blocking the proton pump of the cells in the stomach (these gastric parietal cells produce the hydrogen used in the formation of the hydrochloric acid).
Symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux can be relieved by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach.
H2-ANTAGONISTS
Ranitidine is an example of an
H2-antagonist.
They act to block the histamine receptors of the gastric parietal cells, preventing the secretion of acid, and therefore relieving symptoms.