[lyjw88]

Can you guys recommend me the best over-the-counter antacid drug for heartburn?

[335JB]

fatty

[BTM]

Extreme strength rolaids...when I had this I would chew like 5 and be good

[Jaypod]

Zantac

[ideliver]

get the store brand famotidine....20 mg twice daily as needed

[Memphis1]

"Place 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass water. Check the antacid use information on the box before using this remedy, however. Warning! If you're on a salt-restricted diet, do not use baking soda. It's loaded with sodium. And do not use it if you're experiencing nausea, stomachache, gas, cramps, or stomach distention from overeating.

You can also mix 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar with 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in a glass of water. Take 1 teaspoon of the solution as needed.

At the first sign of heartburn, try mixing 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 cup warm water."

[JayKay335i]

You could use prolosec OTC, which works well. But when shit hits the fan, I usually just pop some rolaids.

[lyjw88]

thanks!
i gotta stop by CVS later today

[kyleb350]

Is it bad? When I get the occasional pukey burps, I just take a few generic Tums tablets

[Bobby_Light]

Be careful with antacids. They can exacerbate the underlying problem of LOW stomach acid (hypochlorhydria). The stomach must be acidic to set up the rest of the GI tract to digest/assimilate/eliminate properly. H.pylori infection and diet/lifestyle/stress are usual factors in the problem.

[bolty]

+1 on the Zantac for over the counter.

Or talk to your Dr. and ask about Nexium.

[lyjw88]

Originally Posted by Bobby_Light

Be careful with antacids. They can exacerbate the underlying problem of LOW stomach acid (hypochlorhydria). The stomach must be acidic to set up the rest of the GI tract to digest/assimilate/eliminate properly. H.pylori infection and diet/lifestyle/stress are usual factors in the problem.

Yea, I gotta see my doctor but I really do not have time till Thanksgiving.
So I just wanna get rid of the symptoms for now...

[PeteW84]

Prilosec OTC or Prevacid24HR should work well. Also I would recommend you go and see your doctor asap. Learn from my mistake, take heartburn seriously. I didn't and ended up in a hospital with a bleeding ulcer. Make sure your doctor tests you for the H.pylori bacteria. Good luck

[Echo M3]

Originally Posted by lyjw88

Yea, I gotta see my doctor but I really do not have time till Thanksgiving.
So I just wanna get rid of the symptoms for now...

That's a terrible idea. If your heartburn is bothering you that much, you need to see a doc. Antacids have a lot of side effects that could result in serious damage if misused. As was stated above, taking too much (or excessively strong) antacids can lead to stomach infection, indigestion etc.

There's two types of antacids: H2-receptor antagonists and PPIs.

H2-receptor antagonists (like Zantac) are available OTC and are generally less effective.

PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) are more effective but require a prescription. The most common one is Omeprazole.

You also need to be careful, because PPIs in particular can interact with other drugs you are taking and lead to toxicity. You might laugh, but even something as simple as tylenol can lead to as far-ranging consequences as ineffectiveness of the drug to acute liver toxicity.

[firstkill]

prilosec and prevacid both have OTC preperations.

both have side effects, prolong heartburn can lead to cancer. so dont take it lightly.

NO medications will work unless you fix your diet.

you have to ID the foods that make you get reflux.

stuff with caffeine, spicy foods, sour foods.