Many medications for the treatment of heartburn and GERD symptoms are available.

Antacids
Antacids neutralize stomach acid to relieve heartburn, sour stomach, and acid indigestion. Some antacids can relieve excess gas. Brands of antacids include:¹¹

• Alka-Seltzer®
• Gaviscon®
• Maalox®
• Milk of Magnesia
• Mylanta®
• Pepto-Bismol®
• Rolaids®
• TUMS®

H2 Antagonists
H2 antagonists block the action of histamine on cells in the stomach. This reduces the amount of acid that the stomach produces. H2 antagonists’ popularity has waned since the discovery and wide availability of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

Brands of H2 medications include:¹¹

• Pepcid®
• Tagamet HB 200®
• Zantac 75®

Proton Pump Inhibitors
PPIs reduce stomach acid production by blocking the proton pump. The proton pump is the final stage in stomach acid production, making it an excellent target for treatment.

Brands of PPI medications include:¹¹

• Aciphex®
• Nexium®
• Prevacid®
• Prilosec OTC®
• PROTONIX®