Some can avoid hyperacidity symptoms by simple hyperacidity home remedies; if it failed to produce a result, then you may need acid neutralizing or suppressing medications.
Medication for Hyperacidity
Commonly used medications for hyperacidity are:
- Antacids will neutralize stomach acid.
- Acid suppressing medications will limit or stop stomach acid secretion.
- Cytoprotective agents will make protective coating to stop ulcer formation.
Acid neutralizing medications
Antacids are working by neutralizing some of the acids in your stomach.
Acid suppressing medications
There are two classes of medication to reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach. They are:
Histamine2-receptor antagonists - it blocks the action of histamine; a chemical acts as a trigger for the stomach cells to release acid. Common H2RAs available on the market are cimetidine, ranitidine (Zantac), famotidine (Pepcid), and nizatidine (Axid). These medications are available on prescription, and some are accessible in a low dosage as non-prescription formulation.
Proton pump inhibitors - It works by blocking an enzyme necessary for making stomach acid, blocking this enzyme decreases acid production. Common PPIs available on the market are omeprazole (Losec, Prilosec, and Prilosec OTC), Omeprazole/Sodium Bicarbonate (Zegerid, Zegerid OTC), lansoprazole (Prevacid, Prevacid 24HR), pantoprazole (Protonix), esomeprazole (Nexium), and rabeprazole (Pariet, AcipHex). Extented release formulation of PPI is dexlansoprazole (Dexilant, Kapidex), which delivers the drug at two intervals. PPIs are considering as a most effective therapy by relieving the symptoms of hyperacidity.
Cytoprotective agent
It works by creating a physical barrier by reacting with stomach acid, thus stoping the diffusion of acid in the gastrointestinal tract and prevent degradation of mucus by acid. Additionally, it stimulates bicarbonate output to neutralize acid. Common cytoprotective agents available on the market are Sucralfate (Sucramal in Italy; Carafate in U.S.A; Pepsigard, Sucral, Sucrafil, Hapifate in India; Sulcrate in Canada). It is most commonly prescribed for those who have or prone to ulcers; it prevents ulcer formation as well as stop its progression.