Stomach Acid Reflux Medication
Basically, stomach acid reflux medication inhibits
the production or release of pepsin produced by the
chief cells and hydrochloric acid produced by the
parietal cells in the stomach. Other medicines may
not totally inhibit the production but they neutralize
the acid.
Histamine Blockers
The acid reflux medicications are the Histamine Blockers
or the H2 receptor antagonists. Histamine stimulates a
pump in the stomach that releases hydrochloric acid. The
H2 receptor antagonists prevent the histamine from
stimulating this pump. They block the production of the
hydrochloric acid thereby reducing secretion and
concentration into the stomach.
One of the acid reflux medicines is the Cimetidine which
was introduced in 1975. It has a short half-life and short
duration of action. The three most popular H2 blockers are
Ranitidine, Famotidine and Nizatidine. They are more potent
than Cimetidine because in addition to blocking gastric acid
secretions, they also promote healing of the ulcer by
eliminating its cause. They also have longer duration of action.
Realize though that none of the medications can be taken
long term.
Preventave Measures
An ounce of prevention is always better than a pound of cure,
you can avoid having stomach acid reflux or GERD by avoiding
too much smoking and alcohol, and by eating less of spicy and
greasy food.There are other foods to avoid, as well.
As said above some people are clearing the acid reflux problems
completely with an acid reflux diet, so this is a good place to start.
Lastly, avoid stress because it stimulates the release of the acid.
