GERD Medication Guide: What Works and How to Use It

If you suffer from heartburn, sour taste, or chest pain after meals, you are probably dealing with gastro‑oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The good news is that medicine can calm the symptoms and protect the lining of your oesophagus. In this guide we keep it simple: what the main drugs do, when they’re best, and how to avoid common problems.

Common GERD medicines

The first group you’ll hear about is antacids. They neutralise stomach acid quickly and give fast relief for occasional heartburn. Over‑the‑counter options like Gaviscon or Rennie are cheap and safe for short‑term use, but they don’t heal the oesophagus.

The next step up are H2‑blockers such as ranitidine (if still available) and famotidine. They reduce the amount of acid your stomach makes. You usually take them once or twice a day, and they work well for mild to moderate reflux that happens a few times a week.

For stronger, long‑term control most doctors prescribe proton‑pump inhibitors (PPIs). Examples are omeprazole, esomeprazole (Nexium), and lansoprazole. PPIs block the acid pump almost completely, so they’re great for daily symptoms or when the oesophagus is already irritated. Most people take a PPI before breakfast and see improvement in a few days.

There are also prokinetic agents like domperidone or metoclopramide. They help the stomach empty faster, lowering the chance of acid flowing back up. They’re not first‑line, but they can help if you have delayed gastric emptying.

Finally, some patients need a combination of a PPI and a low‑dose antibiotic if a bacterial infection called H. pylori is present. That’s a separate treatment plan, but it often shows up in GERD work‑ups.

How to take GERD meds safely

First, follow the doctor’s dosing instructions exactly. PPIs are usually taken 30‑60 minutes before a big meal, not after, because food triggers the acid pump. Swallow the capsule whole – don’t crush or chew, unless the label says you can.

Second, watch for side effects. Antacids can cause constipation or diarrhoea if you use them a lot. H2‑blockers may cause headache or mild dizziness. PPIs can lead to nausea, stomach pain, or long‑term issues like low magnesium or vitamin B12 deficiency. If you notice anything odd, talk to your pharmacist.

Third, don’t stop a PPI suddenly after weeks of use. Tapering down over a week or two helps your stomach adjust. Some doctors recommend switching to an H2‑blocker for a few weeks before stopping completely.

Fourth, lifestyle matters just as much as medicine. Avoid big meals, spiced foods, caffeine, and alcohol if they trigger your reflux. Sleep with the head of the bed raised a few inches, and try not to lie down for at least two hours after eating.

Lastly, make sure the pharmacy you use is registered with the UK regulator (GPhC). Buying medicines from unknown online stores can lead to fake or unsafe products. If a price looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Putting the right drug together with simple habit changes can give you solid relief from GERD. If symptoms persist despite treatment, get a follow‑up – sometimes a deeper issue like a hiatal hernia needs surgery.

Remember: the best GERD plan is the one that fits your daily life and keeps you comfortable. Use this guide to ask your doctor the right questions, pick the right medication, and stay on top of your health.