Useful Medication for Acid Reflux
Antacids and alginates
They have demonstrated limited effectiveness on the symptoms of GERD. They have no effect on esophageal lesions. They are particularly well suited for use upon request, at the time of pain. Taking antacids should be recommended not in conjunction with other drugs which can reduce intestinal absorption.
The H2 receptor antagonists to histamine (anti-H2)
They are effective in treating severe symptoms of reflux and oesophagites. They have no indication in the treatment of severe injuries of esophagitis and complicated forms. In maintenance treatment, their effectiveness is often disappointing. They can be used to effect a cure within a few days.
Cisapride
It has shown efficacy in treating attack and maintenance treatment. It is not recommended when patient has a risk of abnormal heart rhythms and in combination with certain drugs.
The pump inhibitors protons (IPP)
They have superior efficacy to that of all other therapeutic classes on the symptoms and lesions in treatment of esophagitis attack, with efficiency rate of around 85%. These results remain in the maintenance treatment. This superiority is particularly marked in severe oesophagites and peptic strictures (esophageal strictures).
The effectiveness of PPI half-dose has been demonstrated in moderate forms of GERD, both in treatment of attack that maintenance. Overall the PPI are well tolerated and without significant side effects.
The antibiotics used to eradicate the bacteria Helicobacter pylori are currently not recommended, because the responsibility of this bacterium in the reflux is not established.
In the case of babies, extra care needs to be taken. Many doctors continue to prescribe anti-reflux medication to babies which speed up the emptying of the stomach and prevent the rise of gastric fluid. However, these medications can cause neurological disorders which stop when the treatment stops. Hence, doctors should perform all the necessary examinations, including fibroscopy, to check for the inflammation of the esophagus which is a true sign of acid reflux.