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5 Over-the-Counter Acid Reflux Medicine to Calm Your Upset Stomach

5 Over-the-Counter Acid Reflux Medicine to Calm Your Upset Stomach
Shweta Chaubey

Acid reflux is a prevalent health concern that affects many people worldwide. One of the most common ways of dealing with it is the use of acid reflux medicines. These medicines provide immediate relief from symptoms such as heartburn, indigestion, and abdominal pain and reduce acid production in the stomach. But which over-the-counter acid reflux medicine is the best?

To help you figure that out, here is a list of medicines that are considered effective for heartburn and other symptoms of acid reflux.

5 Over-The-Counter Acid Reflux Medicines

Products Why choose them
1. Pepcid Antacid AC Strength Tablet Available with and without prescription
2. Procter & Gamble Antacid Prilosec OTC Tablet Most Sought-After
3. Bayer Antacid Zegerid OTC Capsule Most Powerful Acid Suppressor
4. Procter & Gamble Pepto Bismol Anti-Diarrheal Liquid Best for travels
5. Sunmark Infant Gas Relief Strength Oral Drops Best for Infants

1. Famotidine – Available with and without prescription

Famotidine is a medication that belongs to the group of histamine H2-receptor antagonists or H2-blockers. It works by reducing the amount of acid produced by the stomach. It is primarily used for stomach ulcers (gastric and duodenal), erosive esophagitis (heartburn or acid indigestion), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which causes the acid to flow back up into the esophagus from the stomach.

Famotidine is also used to treat certain situations where there is too much acid in the stomach, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and multiple endocrine neoplasia.

Potential Side Effects

  • Anxiety
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Cough
  • Bleeding gums

Pepcid Antacid AC Strength Tablet

As one of the best acid reflux medicines, Pepcid antacid tablets can treat ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and conditions that cause excess stomach acid. It can also treat heartburn caused by acid indigestion.

Why choose Pepcid Antacid Tablet

  • Each pack has 50 tablets
  • Reduces acid production

Pepcid Antacid AC Strength Tablet

 

2. Omeprazole – Most Sought-After

Omeprazole is one of the most sought-after acid reflux medicines used to treat indigestion, heartburn, and stomach ulcers. It works by blocking the enzymes in your stomach lining that make acid to digest food. Omeprazole also reduces the amount of acid your stomach produces to relieve the symptoms.

Apparently, it takes a few days for this medicine to start working and up to four weeks to work fully. If you buy omeprazole from an online store, pharmacy, or supermarket, make sure to check with a doctor before taking it for more than two weeks.

Potential Side Effects

  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Stomach pain
  • Constipation
  • Farting

According to the National Health Service, these side effects affect more than 1 in 100 people, and there are things you can do to help cope with them.

Procter & Gamble Antacid Prilosec OTC Tablet

As one of the best over-the-counter acid reflux medicines, it provides relief and prevention from acid problems such as ulcers, periodic heartburn, indigestion, and bad stomach.

Why choose Prilosec 20 mg for Heartburn

  • Contains omeprazole as an active ingredient
  • Three 14-day courses of treatment

Procter & Gamble Antacid Prilosec OTC Tablet

 

3. Sodium Bicarbonate – Best home remedy for acid reflux

Sodium bicarbonate does more than just baking. It is a chemical compound that belongs to a group of medicines known as antacids that can help relieve heartburn. It is available in many forms, such as tablets, solutions, or granules. It has alkaline properties that can help neutralize excess stomach acid. Baking soda is also sometimes used to help with stomach or duodenal ulcers and to make blood or urine less acidic. But, like with any medicine or supplement, it's important to talk to your doctor before trying it.

Potential Side Effects

According to an article on the same subject by Very Well Health, some common side effects of baking soda include - 

  • Gas and bloating
  • Increased thirst
  • Stomach cramps

Bayer Antacid Zegerid OTC Capsule

It is one of the most powerful types of acid suppressors available. Zegerid prevents the stomach from producing too much acid. One pill per day relieves frequent heartburn and digestive problems for a full 24 hours. 

Why choose Zegerid OTC Capsule

  • Contains active ingredients - Omeprazole and Sodium Bicarbonate
  • Other ingredients - Sodium lauryl sulfate, Sodium starch glycolate, Sodium stearyl fumarate, and Titanium dioxide, to name a few.
  • Three 14-day courses of treatment

Bayer Antacid Zegerid OTC Capsule

 

4. Bismuth Salicylate – Best for travels

It is used to manage and treat gastrointestinal discomfort and traveler's diarrhea. It belongs to the class of drugs called salicylates. According to a research paper published in the National Library of Medicine, Bismuth subsalicylate has been around for over 100 years and was first FDA-approved in 1939. It is an effective alternative to antimicrobials for nausea and diarrhea treatments, especially traveler's diarrhea. 

Potential Side Effects

  • Feeling sick
  • Bad taste in your mouth
  • Diarrhea
  • Dark or black stools

Procter & Gamble Pepto Bismol Anti-Diarrheal Liquid

Procter & Gamble Pepto Bismol is one of the best acid reflux medicines, which contains Bismuth Salicylate. It helps relieve heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, nausea, and diarrhea. It is safe to use for both adults and teenagers.

Why choose Pepto Bismol

Procter & Gamble Pepto Bismol Anti-Diarrheal Liquid

 

5. Simethicone – Best for Infants

Simethicone is a silicone compound effectively used to treat flatulence and bloating. According to a research paper published by the National Library of Medicine, it was FDA-approved in 1952. Although there has not been adequate evaluation, simethicone is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy since it does not cross the placenta. Similarly, lactating mothers can also use it because it is not absorbed into the body and infants.

Mayo Clinic Network suggests that it is generally a safe medication for babies. It could cause loose stools, but that is uncommon. The typical dose for simethicone is 20 milligrams, up to four times a day.

Potential Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea

Sunmark Infant Gas Relief Strength Oral Drops

It is one of the safest acid reflux medications for infants and contains an active ingredient called simethicone. It breaks down the gas bubbles in the stomach and intestines, making them easier to pass.

Why choose Sunmark Gas Relief Strength Drops

  • Alcohol and saccharin-free
  • Offers fast relief
  • Strength: 20 mg/ 0.3 mL
  • Contains - Benzoic Acid; Flavor; Magnesium Aluminum Silicate; Purified Water; Simethicone Emulsion; Sorbitol; Xanthan Gum
  • Recommended for babies up to 2 years old

Sunmark Infant Gas Relief Strength Oral Drops

 

When to see a doctor

Although these over-the-counter acid reflux medicines are safe to use, if you have any underlying condition or your symptoms worsen even after taking these, it is recommended you consult with your doctor at the earliest.

Where can you buy the best over-the-counter acid reflux medicine?

HPFY has been your health and wellness partner since 2002. We carry a wide range of products, including acid reflux medicines. Explore our catalog today to find all that you need to stay healthy.

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Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics, and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our reviewed content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.

 


HPFY Shweta Chaubey

Shweta Chaubey

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Shweta Chaubey, has been a Health Products For You contributor since 2021. An advocate-turned-writer, her desire to create meaningful and positive content has brought her to HPFY and what better than writing ...

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