Wellness Digestive Health Heartburn 7 Medications That Can Help Heartburn and Other GERD Symptoms Stomach acid has the same pH as battery acid and can cause a painful, burning sensation. Here are some drugs that can help fight heartburn. By Amanda Gardner Updated on November 10, 2022 Medically reviewed by Robert Burakoff, MD Medically reviewed by Robert Burakoff, MD Robert Burakoff, MD, MPH, is a board-certified gastroenterologist who serves as vice chair of Ambulatory Services at Lower Manhattan Hospital and professor of medicine at the Weill Cornell Medical College. learn more Share Tweet Pin Email Heartburn, also known as acid reflux, occurs when your stomach acid seeps up into your esophagus, the tube connecting your throat and stomach. The painful, burning sensation of heartburn can cause extreme discomfort. Aside from home remedies and lifestyle changes, there are many heartburn medications available over the counter or by prescription. Learn more about your different options. 01 of 07 Antacids Sold as: Maalox, Mylanta, Pepcid, Rolaids, and Tums Where to find them: available over-the-counter as tablets, capsules, or liquid How they work: Antacids are usually hydroxide or bicarbonate salts that counteract or neutralize the acid in your stomach. According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), they can contain some combination of magnesium, calcium, and aluminum. This class of drugs only treats the symptoms of heartburn. Antacids do not address the root causes of heartburn. Potential side effects: diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach, nausea 02 of 07 Bismuth Subsalicylate Sold as: Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol Where to find it: available over the counter as tablets, caplets, or liquid How it works: This medication treats both heartburn and diarrhea. According to the NLM, it works by killing bad bacteria in your intestines, reducing your bowel inflammation, and acting as an antacid. Potential side effects: darkening of the tongue and stool If you have ringing or buzzing in your ears, the NLM recommends that you stop taking the medication and call your healthcare provider immediately. 03 of 07 Foaming Agents Sold as: Gaviscon Where to find them: available over-the-counter as a tablet or liquid How it works: Foaming agents create a layer of foam that floats on top of the stomach contents. This keeps stomach contents like acid in the stomach and not the esophagus. Potential side effects: nausea, constipation, diarrhea 04 of 07 Histamine 2 (H2) Blockers Sold as: Pepcid AC, Tagamet HB, and Zantac. There are also generic versions of these drugs available. Where to find them: Available in liquid and tablet form, they are sold over the counter or by prescription, depending on their strength. How they work: These drugs reduce stomach acid production by blocking histamine, a chemical your body makes during allergic reactions. H2 blockers also can help your esophagus heal. Potential side effects: headache, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, and sleepiness H2 blockers containing Cimetidine can also lead to breast enlargement in males, according to the NLM. 05 of 07 Prokinetics Sold as: Bethanechol (Urecholine), Metoclopramide (Reglan) Where to find them: available by prescription only, in liquid and tablet form How they work: They strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter (which keeps acid out of the esophagus) and help the stomach empty faster. Reglan also improves muscle action in the digestive tract. Potential side effects: dizziness, drowsiness, depression, anxiety, vomiting, an upset stomach, feeling warm, or dizziness Reglan (Metoclopramide) can cause uncontrollable facial movement, according to the NLM. Talk with your healthcare provider immediately if you develop uncontrollable body movements, the side effects above, or rash, swelling, difficulty breathing, or changes in vision. 06 of 07 Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) Sold as: Aciphex, Dexilant, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, Protonix, and Zegerid. There are also generic versions of these drugs available. Where to find them: These are all available by prescription, and Prilosec and Prevacid can also be obtained over the counter. How they work: PPIs directly inhibit acid production. These drugs are the best for helping your esophagus heal but can take hours to work. Potential side effects: headache, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, dizziness, cough According to a 2019 International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health article, PPIs may also be linked to an increased risk of bone fractures. 07 of 07 Simethicone Sold as: Alka-Seltzer, Gas-X Where to find it: available over-the-counter as a tablet (regular or chewable), liquid, or capsule How it works: Simethicone is an antacid that reduces stomach acid and gas that causes pain. It provides temporary relief. Potential side effects: belching, flatulence, water retention Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit