Antacids are among the safest drugs for acid reflux and side effects are rare.
Or try an over-the-counter H2 blocker, such as famotidine (Pepcid AC) or ranitidine (Zantac 75). They tend to cause fewer side effects and are typically cheaper than PPIs. This generic is available without a prescription and is our top pick.
Safety and tolerability
Results of numerous clinical trials indicate that oral pantoprazole is safe and well tolerated for short-term treatment of GERD and for longer term maintenance therapy in patients with healed erosive esophagitis.
Tolerance and safety were good and comparable in both groups. Conclusion Gaviscon® was non-inferior to omeprazole in achieving a 24-h heartburn-free period in moderate episodic heartburn, and is a relevant effective alternative treatment in moderate GERD in primary care.
Antacids are among the safest drugs for acid reflux and side effects are rare. Depending on the antacid's ingredients, side effects may include diarrhea, constipation, calcium loss and kidney stones.
Are there other medicines similar to Gaviscon? Yes, Acidex and Peptac are similar to Gaviscon. These medicines are reflux suppressants. They work in the same way as Gaviscon, by reducing acid in your stomach and preventing excess acid escaping into your food pipe.
The proton-pump inhibitors esomeprazole (Nexium 24HR), lansoprazole (Prevacid 24HR), and omeprazole (Prilosec OTC) are sold over-the-counter to treat frequent heartburn (two or more times per week) for 14 days. These types of medicines are also available as higher-strength prescriptions.
You can also try the following natural remedies that have been safely used to relieve GERD symptoms: Licorice: Use deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) to avoid side effects; one or two lozenges before meals can be helpful. Slippery Elm: Use as a powder mixed with water and take after meals and before bed.
Antacids are safe for most people. Some of the brand names of the safest antacids include Gaviscon, Gelusil, Tums, Maalox, and others.
Gaviscon Regular Strength Tablets has an average rating of 5.8 out of 10 from a total of 5 ratings on Drugs.com. 50% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 50% reported a negative effect. Mylanta has an average rating of 10.0 out of 10 from a total of 2 ratings on Drugs.com.
Metabolic side effects have included hypophosphatemia with the use of aluminum hydroxide. In patients on long-term aluminum hydroxide therapy, especially in association with poor diets, hypophosphatemia may result in muscle weakness, rhabdomyolysis, hemolysis, and encephalopathy.
Long-term use of some heartburn medications appears to be associated with an increated risk of dementia, heart attack, and chronic kidney disease.
Nexium has an average rating of 6.0 out of 10 from a total of 205 ratings on Drugs.com. 50% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 37% reported a negative effect. Pantoprazole has an average rating of 4.9 out of 10 from a total of 415 ratings on Drugs.com.
You can try sipping tea or taking a peppermint pill, but if this remedy instead increases your acid reflux, consider trying ginger. Ginger is calming and reduces inflammation in the stomach. Both peppermint and ginger can help with diarrhea, bloating and gas, too.
Drinks such as ginger tea, certain fruit and vegetable juices, and plant-based milks may benefit people experiencing acid reflux and heartburn. Avoiding citrus juices, carbonated beverages, and alcohol can also help to reduce symptom frequency and severity.
Mg helps relieve GERD and consequently LPRD by two mechanisms. Mg plays a major role in regulation of muscle contraction and it helps smooth muscles to relax. It plays a role in the action of pyloric sphincter.
In addition to treating reflux, Gaviscon can prevent the onset of symptoms by reducing stomach acids after meals.
Unless otherwise directed by your healthcare professional, you should discontinue use if you do experience any side effects, if you have taken Gaviscon® for more than two weeks, or if your symptoms return. If you require additional information, please call us at 1-888-366-7475.
“Unfortunately, we're experiencing a shortage of sodium alginate, the key ingredient in Gaviscon,” it said. “The shortage has occurred due to the availability of a specific species of seaweed, which is found on the coasts of Norway. The shortage is a consequence of poor weather conditions and low harvest yields.”
Like any medication, patients should only use PPIs for as long as necessary to treat their underlying condition. “It is critically important that patients take their medications only as directed,” Chang said. “The FDA recommends that PPIs be administered over a four week course of treatment, three times a year.”
Stomach acid is essential for digestion, but sometimes acid-producing cells in your digestive system pump out too much acid. Symptoms of high stomach acid can include belly pain, bloating, and heartburn.