Gerd drugs in pharmacies and other medical procedures & bull; hello healthy

Everyone who has GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) usually will complain of symptoms in the form of heartburn called heartburn. GERD symptoms can get worse if the patient does not take the drug or avoid the trigger.

If you have this, what are the options for GERD drugs in pharmacies that can be taken to treat symptoms?

Choice of medical drugs to treat GERD

GERD is a condition characterized by an increase in stomach acid into the esophagus. The causes vary, ranging from smoking, long-term consumption of NSAIDs, or health problems that have an impact on the production of stomach acid.

Once GERD symptoms appear, drug consumption is usually the first choice to help relieve complaints. If left untreated, symptoms not only interfere with activities, but can also get worse and lead to complications of GERD.

Before taking medication, know the two groups of drugs for GERD, which include prescription and non-prescription drugs.

1. GERD drugs that are sold freely (OTC)

Over-the-counter drugs, also known as drugs over the counter (OTC), is a type of drug that can be obtained without a prescription. In other words, you don't need a doctor's recommendation to be able to get the drug.

That is why you can easily get OTC GERD drugs at pharmacies or even stalls. Here are some examples of over-the-counter drugs to treat GERD.

Antacids

Antacids are a type of medicine that work by neutralizing stomach acid while relieving symptoms heartburn light. This drug is not only used to treat GERD, but also inflammatory problems such as gastritis.

There are many types of antacid drugs available. Many of them are sold under certain brands, but there are also drugs that only list the main ingredients, such as:

• aluminum hydroxide,
• calcium carbonate,
• magnesium carbonate,
• magnesium tricilicate,
• magnesium hydroxide, and
• sodium bicarbonate.

Some types of antacids also contain other drugs, such as alginate to protect the stomach lining or simethicone to reduce symptoms of passing gas. However, this drug cannot cure inflammation of the esophagus due to stomach acid.

It is important to pay attention to the dosage of taking GERD drugs, because long-term consumption can have the risk of causing side effects. Possible side effects of this GERD drug include constipation (constipation), diarrhea, and kidney problems.

H-2 receptor blockers

GERD drug class H-2 receptor blockers serves to reduce acid production and relieve symptoms. Examples of these drugs are cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine, and ranitidine.

Compared with antacid drugs, H-2 drug action receptor blockers it's not that fast. Even so, the H-2 drug receptor blockers can help relieve symptoms in a longer time, about 12 hours.

If you experience GERD symptoms after eating, your doctor usually recommends taking antacids and H-2 receptor blockers at the same time. Antacid drugs function to neutralize stomach acid, while H-2 receptor blockers reduce production.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPI)

Drug proton pump inhibitors (PPI) works by inhibiting the production of a much stronger acid than the H-2 drug receptor blockers. Apart from that, PPIs also help treat esophagus problems due to exposure to stomach acid.

2. GERD medication as prescribed by a doctor

If over-the-counter GERD medication is not effective enough to relieve GERD symptoms, your doctor can prescribe a stronger dose at a pharmacy. Here are some of the most common types of drugs.

Drug H-2 receptor blockers by prescription

How the H-2 drug works receptor blockers with this prescription is actually not much different from similar drugs that are purchased freely. It's just that the dose contained in the H-2 drug receptor blockers with a much higher prescription.

Examples of these drugs are famotidine, nizatidine, and ranitidine. There is a certain time frame for taking H-2 receptor blockers. If used for a long time, this drug can increase the risk of fractures and vitamin B12 deficiency.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) by prescription

Prescription PPI drugs are usually given by doctors to help treat GERD in the long term. There are a variety of prescription PPI drugs, such as:

• esomeprazole,
• lansoprazole,
• omeprazole,
• pantoprazole,
• rabeprazole, and
• dexlansoprazole.

PPIs are one of the most effective drugs to treat the symptoms of GERD. However, it is possible that there are side effects from using this drug in the long term.

These side effects include diarrhea, headaches, nausea, vitamin B12 deficiency, and an increased risk of hip, wrist and spinal fractures. The best rule for taking this medicine is when the stomach is empty.

Cardia valve (sphincter) strengthening drugs

The cardial sphincters are ring-shaped muscles that line the esophagus and stomach. A type of drug that works by strengthening the cardia sphincter is baclofen. This GERD drug does its job by preventing the sphincter muscles from relaxing.

That way, the esophagus will not easily open suddenly and make stomach acid rise. Although effective, you need to follow the dosage carefully as this medication can cause side effects of nausea and fatigue.

Prokinetic drugs

Doctors sometimes also prescribe prokinetic drugs to help speed up stomach emptying while strengthening the muscles of the lower esophagus. Prescription prokinetic drugs are bethanechol and metoclopramide.

Both drugs have side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, anxiety, and abnormal physical movements. In order to prevent side effects, take the drug as directed by your doctor and do not mix this drug with other medicines.

Antibiotics

The doctor will prescribe antibiotics if GERD is caused by a bacterial infection H. pylori. This medication will be combined with a PPI and will need to be taken for a period of time. The goal is to ensure the bacteria die and restore stomach function.

Other medical treatments for GERD

If GERD is severe enough, doctors will usually recommend another route in the form of surgery or surgery. Especially if the symptoms of GERD do not work with drugs available in pharmacies or home care.

Reporting from The American College of Gastroenterology, the following medical procedures are commonly performed to treat GERD.

1. Fundoplication

Fundoplication is the most common surgical procedure for treating GERD. This action aims to strengthen the muscles that make up the cardia sphincter so as to prevent acid reflux as before.

The surgeon will sew the upper part of the stomach (fundus) around the lower part of the esophagus. So, the lower part of the esophagus will be in a small tunnel between the stomach muscles. These muscles are what will strengthen the cardia sphincter.

2. LINX

The LINX procedure also helps strengthen the muscles in the cardia sphincter. You do this by wrapping a ring on the border between the stomach and esophagus. Then, there is a magnetic attraction that strengthens the cardia sphincter so that stomach acid does not rise.

When the symptoms of GERD appear, the first step that can help relieve it is taking medication. If over-the-counter medicines don't work, you can consult your doctor for prescription drugs.

Further consultations also help your doctor determine if you need additional treatment. In some cases, GERD may have entered a more severe stage, making treatment more complicated.

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