Anti Acid Reflux Medication

What Is Acid Reflux? 

Acid reflux is a common condition, over 60% of people in the UK experience Acid Reflux at some point in their life and over 1% of the population suffers from persistent Acid Reflux.

Fortunately, there are a wide range of over the counter and prescription only Acid Reflux treatments which can effectively help you manage symptoms.

Acid Reflux is a condition whereby stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus (food pipe) giving rise to symptoms such as heart burn (burning in the chest or throat.)

What is GERD?

GERD, is a type of Acid Reflux which appears with increased severity and frequency (usually, twice a week or more.)

Whilst many people experience Acid Reflux at some point in their lives, GERD is a chronic condition, meaning symptoms are persistent and continuous. 

GERD can lead to more serious symptoms and complications such as oesophageal damage, if left untreated.

Symptoms Of Acid Reflux

Some common symptoms of Acid Reflux are:

• Acid Reflux: Acid reflux is when stomach acid flows back up the oesophagus leaving a bitter taste in the mouth.
• Heartburn: Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest caused by stomach acids irritating the lining of the oesophagus.

Other less common symptoms of Acid Reflux include:

• Bad Breath: Bad breath caused by stomach acid and partially digest food flowing back up through the esophagus and can cause an unpleasant odour.
• A Horse Voice: Stomach acids moving back up the esophagus can irritate the throat, causing a horse or raspy voice.
• Recurrent Cough or Hiccups: Acid reflux can irritate the throat and respiratory tract. This sometimes cause reflexive actions such as coughing or a bout of hiccups.
• Bloating or Sickness: Acid reflux can lead to back of stomach acid. This can cause gas build ups in the digestive system and irritation in the digestive system causing bloating and sickness.

Acid Reflux Causes

Acid Reflux is caused when the Lower Oesophageal Sphincter (the muscle that connects the oesophagus to the stomach) weakens or relaxes at the wrong time.

The lower oesophageal sphincter is meant to prevent stomach acid rising back up into the oesophagus. When it weakens it can cause Acid Reflux or GERD.

The following factors can also cause a worsening of symptoms:

• Certain foods and drinks e.g. Alcohol, spicy foods, fatty foods, tomatoes.
• Obesity.
• Pregnancy.
• Smoking or vaping.
• Certain medications such as anti-inflammatory medications.

Acid Reflux Treatment with Medications

For most people, making lifestyle change changes such as eating smaller meals more frequently or avoiding foods that trigger acid reflux, and reducing alcohol intake, will be enough to cause acid reflux symptoms to subside.

However, on occasion Acid Reflux treatment medication may be needed. There are a range of over the counter and prescription treatments available in the UK, let’s explore some.

PPIs

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are the most widely used Acid Reflux treatments. PPIs work by reducing the production of stomach acid. Examples of PPIs include Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, Esomeprazole and Pantoprazole.

Omeprazole:

Common Brands: Losec, Losec MUPS, Pyrocalm.

• Reduces the amount of stomach acid produced helping to treat heartburn, acid reflux and indigestion.
• Available in 20mg tablets over the counter, however omeprazole in capsule or liquid form requires a prescription from a doctor.
• Omeprazole shouldn’t be taken for more than 2 weeks without consulting with a doctor, due risk of side effects or Omeprazole masking other underlying health conditions.

Lansoprazole:

Brand Name: Zoton

• Reduces the amount of stomach acid produced helping to treat heartburn, acid reflux and indigestion.
• Works more quickly than alternatives such as Omeprazole.
• Lansoprazole is typically given in doses of 15mg to 30mg a day for Acid Reflux.
• Prescribed medication for Acid Reflux, it requires a prescription from a doctor.

Esomeprazole:

Brand Names: Nexium, Nexium Control, Guardium

• Works in a similar way to Omeprazole or Lansoprazole, reducing the amount of stomach acid produced.
• Esomeprazole is available in dosages of up 20mg over the counter, but higher doses of Esomeprazole are prescription only.
• When using Esomeprazole, you should see a doctor if your condition doesn’t improve within 2 weeks as there could be a more serious underlying health condition.

Pantoprazole:

Brand Names: Pantoloc

• Used to treat Acid Reflux and a rare condition called Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
• Available in dosages of 20mg and 40mg. Doses of 20mg are available over the counter, but 40mg + requires a prescription.
• Generally, a well-tolerated medication, however common side effects include headaches and diarrhoea – these effect around 1 in 100 people.

Which Food To Avoid With Acid Reflux? 

For many people, simply making diet GERD positive diet amendments will be enough to control heartburn and acid reflux, without needing anti acid reflux medications.

Certain foods and drinks can trigger Acid Reflux. We’ve included a list below.

• Chocolate which contains a chemical called methylxanthine, which can play a role in cause the LES muscle to relax and allow stomach acid to back flow.

• Peppermint, carbonated drinks, alcohol and onions are all know are common triggers.

• Spicy foods and citrus foods such and vinegar may intensify heart burn.

• Fatty foods and takeaways take longer to digest and make it more likely to cause Acid Reflux or Heartburn.

Food To Eat While Having Acid Reflux

The goal of a GERD positive diet is to reduce the intake of foods that are slow to digest, increase stomach acid production or play a rose in the LES muscle at bottom of the oesophagus to relax.

Some GERD positive foods include:

• Lean meat and seafood such as chicken turkey and fish.

• High fibre foods such as berries, broccoli, sweet potato and oats will help manage the PH levels in your gut thereby helping to alleviate symptoms.

• Alkaline foods such as bananas, melon, fennel and nuts will help to neutralise stomach acid and reduce heart burn and acid reflux.

• Probiotics such as yogurt or kefir will help to restore natural bacteria in the gut and reduce digestive issues

How Can I Buy Anti Acid Reflux Medication? 

Nowadays, you can buy your Acid Reflux medication online using Meds for Less.

You can buy omeprazole online and other over the counter treatments.

Lansoprazole is a prescription only treatment, you can buy lansoprazole at Meds for Less after a short questionnaire.

Step 1: Answer questions regarding your symptoms during checkout.

Step 2: Your information is sent to a doctor to write a prescription (if appropriate)

Step 3: Your medication is shipped to you, next day.