• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

There are four kinds of medications recommended for heartburn relief:

Antacids

- neutralize acid in the stomach on contact

Antacids provide immediate relief. Prolonged use of magnesium-contained antacids can cause diarrhea, and prolonged use of aluminum-based products can lead to constipation.

Acid reducers (acid controllers)

- reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach

Acid reducers provide long-lasting relief. They go directly to the source of the stomach acid and inhibit acid production, the underlying cause of heartburn and acid indigestion. Acid reducers can also prevent symptoms of heartburn by lowering the rate of acid being released into the stomach before a meal.

Combination Therapy

- combines antacid speed and the duration of an acid reducer

Combination therapy incorporates the benefits of antacids and acid reducers, so it works quickly and lasts. The only combination-therapy heartburn reliever currently available in a single tablet is PEPCID® COMPLETE Antacid & Acid Reducer.

Proton-pump inhibitors

- inhibit the acid-producing cells in the stomach

For some people, proton-pump inhibitors are more effective than acid reducers in controlling stomach-acid levels and heartburn. Proton-pump inhibitors are available by prescription only and can cost more than twice the amount of prescription acid reducers, depending on the dose.