Acid Reflux Treatment Options

When you have heartburn, there are many acid reflux treatments you can get over the counter (without a doctor’s prescription). And while these may give you temporary heartburn relief, they may not be the best option for you. If you’re taking antacids more than twice a week, it could mean that the problem isn't just heartburn, but may be a more serious condition—acid reflux disease. If you think you may have acid reflux disease, talk to your doctor about the best acid reflux treatment option for you.

Three types of treatments include

  • Antacids
    Antacids work by neutralizing stomach acid. They can provide fast relief from occasional heartburn, but the relief is usually short-term.
  • H2 blockers
    H2 blockers reduce acid production in the stomach by blocking a signal that leads to acid secretion. They can help heal possible damage to the esophagus that may be caused by acid reflux disease.
  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
    Proton pump inhibitors—like NEXIUM—are an effective treatment for acid reflux disease. They work by turning off some of the "acid pumps" in the stomach's acid-producing cells. Most PPIs are available only with a doctor's prescription. PPIs can both relieve heartburn and heal possible damage to the esophagus that may be caused over time by acid reflux disease.

Ask your doctor which acid reflux treatment option is best for you.

Next: FAQ About Acid Reflux Disease

Important Safety Information About NEXIUM

In adults 18 and older, side effects with NEXIUM include headache, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

In children 1 to 17 years of age, side effects with NEXIUM include headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and sleepiness.

Symptom relief does not rule out the presence of other serious stomach conditions.

Before taking NEXIUM, tell your doctor if you are taking atazanavir, nelfinavir, saquinivir, digoxin, iron salts, ketoconazole, voriconazole, cilostazol, or warfarin.

Approved Uses for NEXIUM

NEXIUM is prescribed to treat the symptoms of acid reflux disease, which typically include persistent heartburn on 2 or more days per week, despite treatment and change of diet.

For many people, NEXIUM is also prescribed to heal damage to the esophagus called erosive esophagitis. This damage may be caused over time from stomach acid wearing away the lining of the esophagus. Only a doctor can diagnose this condition. With NEXIUM, most erosions heal in 4 to 8 weeks. Your results with NEXIUM may vary.

Please read the full Prescribing Information and discuss it with your doctor or health care professional.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.