We all contend with a little heartburn from time to time. But if you’ve been popping antacids like candy, chances are it’s time to check in with your provider. You could be having a bout of gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD. And you may need a medication that’s more effective than a simple antacid. Here’s what you need to know.
What is GERD, anyway?
“GERD happens when acid from your stomach bounces up into your esophagus,” says Dennis Williams, PharmD, an associate professor in the pharmacotherapy and experimental therapeutics division at UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. “It causes symptoms such as heartburn, belching or burping, and an acid taste in the mouth.”
Some people might have a cough, sore throat, hoarseness, abdominal pain or tooth decay, he says. Then there are the more serious symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, coughing up blood or weight loss. If you have any of those, you should seek medical attention, Williams says.
GERD is very common. It affects 1 in 5 people in the U.S., according to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.
Why aren’t antacids always enough?
“Antacids can be helpful, and they start to work fast,” says Jill Morgan, PharmD, chair of pharmacy practice and science at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. The downside? “They only last about an hour,” she says.
These remedies usually contain calcium, aluminum and magnesium, which can help neutralize the acid that’s causing your symptoms. They’re great for those once-in-a-while bouts of heartburn. But they’re advised only for people whose symptoms are infrequent, says Morgan. That means less than twice a week.
What’s a better option for treating GERD?
Meet famotidine (Pepcid®), a different kind of heartburn treatment. Famotidine is known as a histamine-2 antagonist (or H2 blocker), Williams says. Here’s a little of the science behind it:
“There’s a histamine pump in your stomach. When it turns on, it produces more stomach acid, says Williams. “H2 blockers slow the pump down. As a result, there is less acid production in the stomach.”
