Regarding GERD, the medication type depends on the symptoms and response to it. It is a chronic condition in which stomach acid gets backflow into the esophagus (food pipe), resulting in heartburn, regurgitation, and chest pain.
Common Medicine Used In Gerd:
Antacids:
These medicines are over-the-counter (OTC), which can give quick and short-term relief from heartburn and acid reflux. They act by neutralizing the stomach acids.Some of the common antacids are Tums, Maalox, and Mylanta.
There are three common medicines (Sodium alginate, sodium bicarbonate, and calcium carbonate) that are used in many medicines and products, especially in medicine that involves digestion symptoms like heartburn and acid reflux. They serve different uses when used in such formulations:
Sodium Alginate: Sodium Alginate is a natural compound derived from brown seaweed, which is usually incorporated into antacid medications, particularly the main intention is to treat acid Reflux and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). It acts by creating a gel-like structure on the stomach surface and prevents the acid from coming back into the esophagus, hence relieving symptoms such as heartburn and gastric regurgitation. Gaviscon is a widely used product that has sodium alginate.
Sodium Bicarbonate: Sodium Bicarbonate ( baking soda) is an alkaline used in certain antacid formulations. This is due to its ability to neutralize stomach acid when ingested rapidly. The water and carbon dioxide reacting with stomach acid helps in the reduction of heartburn sensation. It should be used cautiously for the short term as it may lead to electrolyte imbalance and other health issues.
Calcium Carbonate: Antacid always contains calcium carbonate, a chemical that helps to neutralize stomach acid like sodium carbonate. This tum type of antacids is widely available over the counter and is used to give rapid relief from heartburn and digestive issues. It is important to note that this won’t give you a long time relief.
Maharaft suspension 150ml: It contains two antacids as active ingredients (Sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate) and alginate (Sodium alginate), which are a gastrointestinal agent and helps to treat gastroesophageal reflux diseases such as heartburn, indigestion, and acid regurgitation, during or after eating the food or during pregnancy.
Conclusion:
These ingredients are used to relieve symptoms related to acidity, but they do not treat the root cause of this condition, like GERD. This should only be used for certain periods or under the regular supervision of a doctor. Overexposure to the medicine may lead to serious digestive problems and side effects.
Patients with severe or chronic acid reflux should consult their doctor to get a diagnosis and a treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes, prescription medication (e.g., proton pump inhibitor or H2 blocker), and alter their diet.