Antacids reduce the effect (neutralize) the acid in your stomach. They can provide fast, short-term relief. Many OTC medicines combine different antacids.
H2 blockers reduce the amount of acid your stomach makes. While they don’t relieve symptoms right away, H2 blockers relieve symptoms for a longer period of time than antacids. They usually start to work within an hour. Examples of H2 blockers available over the counter are ranitidine (one brand name: Zantac) or famotidine (one brand name: Pepcid).
Proton pump inhibitors greatly reduce your body’s production of acid. They work well for heartburn that isn’t resolved by antacids or H2 blockers. It may take a little longer for a proton pump inhibitor to help your symptoms than an H2 blocker, but relief will last longer. These medicines are most helpful for people who have heartburn often — more than two days a week. Omeprazole (one brand name: Prilosec) is an example of a proton pump inhibitor.
To find out which medicine is right for you, talk to your family doctor.
reflux acid symptoms