Rare man can boast that he is not familiar with the symptoms of heartburn. This unpleasant feeling returns again and again, after every meal, and forces those who suffer from it to look for the most effective remedy to “put out the fire” inside.

We decided to help you a little in your search and have compiled the top 8 most effective medications for heartburn.

The drugs presented are divided into two groups:

antacids(reducing acidity) - these are drugs such as

• Gaviscon
• Rennie
• Iberogast
• Maalox
• Almagel
• Gastracid

And antisecretory(preventing education gastric juice) means - in our rating this is

• Ranitidine
• Orthanol.

If heartburn is a temporary phenomenon (for example, during pregnancy), or occurs occasionally - if you have eaten too much sour or salty food - then it is quite enough to use antacids when unpleasant symptoms occur.

But if heartburn occurs regularly, then it may be associated with general diseases body, serve as a symptom peptic ulcer, gastritis, problems with gallbladder and pancreas, and also be one of the signs of a number of other serious diseases. Don't put off visiting your doctor! AND only after diagnosis antisecretory drugs should be taken along with other medications as prescribed by a doctor.

Some drugs have this remarkable property, as a protector, that is, protective. They envelop the walls of the stomach, protecting the mucous membrane from the effects of gastric juice and the aggressive components of the medicine itself. As a result, the risk of erosion and ulcers is reduced.

The article contains drugs that have adsorptive (absorbing excess gastric juice), antispasmodic (eliminating painful sensations from spasms in the epigastric region) and local anesthetic (local anesthetic) properties. They are most preferable for use, as they quickly eliminate unpleasant symptoms.

So here's our magnificent eight.

Rating of the 8 best remedies for heartburn

1st place - Gaviscon
The best and most reliable protection for the stomach and esophagus against heartburn

Photo: improvehealth.ru

Average cost of this drug - 120 rubles.

It is prescribed for a feeling of heaviness in the stomach after eating, heartburn and belching.

In the ranking of the best drugs for heartburn, Gaviscon appeared due to its protective effect on the cells of the esophagus, duration therapeutic effect, few contraindications, possible use in pregnant women. It is used in the form of a suspension, which makes it easier to take in weakened people and children.

This medicine belongs to the group of alginates - drugs that have a protective effect. It contains sodium alginate, sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate. The suspension of the drug, upon contact with gastric contents, forms a kind of gel-like mass. During reflux of stomach contents back into the esophagus, this mass envelops the esophageal mucosa and protects it from the action of hydrochloric acid, thereby preventing heartburn. The duration of action of the drug is 4 hours.

2nd place in the ranking of the best remedies for heartburn is taken by Iberogast.
A natural and selfless protector, but not accessible to many...

Photo: st.free-lance.ru

Average cost is 400 rubles.

The drug helps with a feeling of heaviness in the epigastric region, spasms of the stomach and intestines, constipation and flatulence.

Iberogast can be used in any age category, starting from three-month-old children. Indications for its use are frequent cases of heartburn. There are practically no contraindications, except individual intolerance the drug and its individual components.

Complex drug plant origin, is available in the form of drops. It includes the majority medicinal herbs, such as mint, lemon balm, Iberian, celandine, licorice. Its action is based on protecting the mucous membrane of the stomach and esophagus from the effects of aggressive gastric juice, reducing the acidity of hydrochloric acid, antispasmodic effect, as well as a tonic effect on the esophageal sphincters (weakness of the esophageal sphincter is the main cause of heartburn).

The therapeutic effect develops within several hours. Duration of action - 5-6 hours.

3rd place - “Renny”
Speed, reliability, effectiveness in getting rid of heartburn

Photo: lechimsya.org

Its average price is about 100 rubles, which makes it accessible to almost any segment of the population.

This is a medicine for quick relief of heartburn symptoms.

The speed of development of the effect, stimulation of the natural physiological barrier, harmlessness to the stomach, the possibility of use during pregnancy and lactation - all those qualities that allowed Rennie to become one of the leaders in our rating.

The drug contains calcium and magnesium carbonates. Coming into contact with gastric juice, they neutralize the hydrochloric acid it contains to form soluble calcium and magnesium salts, which are then excreted by the kidneys. Magnesium also stimulates the physiological defense of the stomach - it increases the secretion of mucus covering gastrocytes.

The effect of the drug develops quickly, which allows us to call Rennie an ambulance for the esophagus and stomach.

4th place - “Almagel”
Bring it quickly... he will help quickly!

Photo: lechimsya.org

Approximate price from 50 to 130 rub.

The drug is used for heartburn attacks as a means of quickly relieving symptoms.

Its advantage lies in the fact that one of the active ingredients in its composition is simethicone. Simethicone is absolutely harmless and does not “allow” bloating to attack you. It acts as an antifoam, passes through the entire intestine and is completely eliminated from the body.

Almagel has an adsorbent, local anesthetic and enveloping effect, due to which it significantly reduces negative impact on the walls of the stomach. The suspension forms a protective film on the walls of the stomach, evenly distributing active substances. For this reason, taking Almagel is not accompanied by gas formation and a feeling of heaviness in the epigastric area.

The effect of taking the drug occurs quickly - in less than 10 minutes, and lasts more than one hour.

Rating: 9.4 out of 10 ( Why not "10": there is a significant drawback - the drug promotes the removal of phosphorus from the body, and with long-term use of Almagel, the patient is additionally prescribed drugs containing phosphorus).

5th place among the best medicines for heartburn is “Gastratsid”
Fast and reliable, but loses skill over time...

Photo: www.ircenter.ru

Average cost- 60-120 rubles.

Gastracid is prescribed for peptic ulcers, gastritis and duodenitis, accompanied by heartburn.

This drug belongs to the group of antacids. It contains magnesium and aluminum hydroxides. This drug helps reduce the acidity of gastric juice, which begins to affect the mucous membrane of the esophagus during reverse reflux, and also has an enveloping effect on the walls of organs, protecting them from the effects of gastric juice components. The effect develops quickly - within about 10-15 minutes, which makes this drug a “means emergency assistance”

Used for frequent signs GERD, as well as for relieving pain in gastric ulcers and duodenum, since this drug is capable of short time reduce the feeling of pain.

Rating: 9.2 out of 10. Currently, after research, the global use of antacids has been abandoned due to the fact that they long-term use could hide signs of bleeding from the stomach, as well as reduce the concentration of phosphorus ions.

6th place - “Maalox”
Caring and reliable, and also accessible to many...

Photo: www.smed.ru

Cost of the drug ranges from 80 to 120 rubles.

This medicine is effective for eliminating heartburn during exacerbation of stomach and duodenal ulcers.

To the number best Maalox refers due to the property long stay in the stomach, with pronounced protective properties.

A combined drug from the group of antacids. It contains magnesium hydroxide and alhydrate.

When used, it has an antacid effect (reduces the aggressiveness of hydrochloric acid by neutralization), as well as a protective effect (by enveloping areas of the mucous membrane of the stomach and esophagus). Used 1-2 hours after meals. It stays in the stomach for about an hour, which helps protect the walls of the stomach, as well as the walls of the esophagus (for reflux).

With long-term use, it is necessary to supplement the diet with phosphorus preparations.

7th place - “Orthanol” - a good antisecretory remedy for heartburn
Helps slowly but surely...

Photo: www.rigla.ru

Cost of the drug is within 100 rubles.

The drug is prescribed to eliminate the symptoms of heartburn in the presence of ulcers, as well as to prevent peptic ulcers.

Orthanol helps reduce the aggressive effect of gastric juice on the mucous membrane, which contributes to less damage to the esophagus.

This drug belongs to the so-called “antisecretory” tablets. It contains about 20 mg of omeprazole, a drug often used in the treatment of stomach and duodenal ulcers. Omeprazole is an inhibitor proton pump- reduces the concentration of hydrogen protons and prevents them from forming compounds with chlorine ions (as a result of which no hydrochloric acid).

The drug is indicated for frequent cases of heartburn (if heartburn occurs less than 2-3 times a week, it is better to give preference to antacids), existing stomach ulcers, hyperacid gastritis. The effect develops within an hour and reaches its maximum after 2 hours.

Rating: 9.0 out of 10. According to leading experts, this drug should be prescribed primarily for frequent cases of heartburn, however, possible side effects and the fact that this drug is not suitable for everyone reduces the frequency of its use.

8th place in the ranking of the best medicines for heartburn
takes the time-tested "Ranitidine"
Tries to help, but sometimes does more harm...

Photo: razbolit.ru

The drug can be found in several analogues, depending on the manufacturer. Russian Ranitidine is more common, and the price for it ranges from 10 to 35 rubles. Foreign analogues - gistak and zastak respectively, they cost 40-55 and 210-230 rubles.

The drug relieves the symptom of burning in the esophagus caused by the presence of ulcers of various origins and locations and prevents bleeding.

Ranitidine also belongs to the “antisecretory” group. Its action is aimed at antihistamine receptors (ranitidine blocks H2 receptors of histamine, which is a stimulant of gastric secretion). The effect develops within an hour.

Effective with long-term use, helps cure other stomach diseases.

What is the best medicine for heartburn?

In conclusion, I would like to say that choose one, the most best drug Heartburn is quite difficult. Our ratings highlight the positive and negative aspects of the drugs, but which one is right for you? Only a qualified specialist can answer this question.

If you suffer from heartburn, Don’t put off visiting your doctor for too long! Remember that any disease is easier and more successfully treated in the early stages of its manifestation.

Take care of yourself and be healthy!

Attention! There are contraindications, consultation with a specialist is required

Sometimes ordinary heartburn (scientifically called “esophagitis”) is difficult to treat by adjusting your diet or changing your eating habits. In such cases, the doctor prescribes heartburn medications, most of which are tablets.

In this article we will take a detailed look at medications for heartburn (including new and inexpensive ones), reviews of them and how much each drug costs. Not only foreign heartburn pills will be considered, but also those from the domestic manufacturer, Russians.

Medicines for heartburn are used in cases where adjusting the diet and switching to gentle foods does not help. In this case, medications for heartburn should be prescribed by a doctor, since independent choice not always justified and effective.

Any tablets for heartburn are selected individually, not only focusing on the symptoms (the severity of burning and pain), but also on the general condition of the patient’s gastrointestinal tract.

So, for example, tablets for heartburn are prescribed for the presence of the following gastrointestinal diseases:

• ulcer in the stomach and duodenum;
• gastritis ( inflammatory process in the stomach);
• bleeding in the stomach or lower section esophagus;
• functional disorders in the stomach and intestines;
• spasms in the stomach and intestines.

You should know that tablets for heartburn are divided into two main categories according to the mechanism of action:

1. Protective. They help the regeneration system of the gastrointestinal mucosa and, by enveloping them, protect the wall of the esophagus and stomach.
2. Solvent. Such tablets for heartburn reduce the concentration of acid in the gastric juice, essentially turning it into plain water, which does not damage the walls of the esophagus and stomach.

Release form for heartburn medications

All anti-heartburn medications are available in various forms. Total exists four release forms similar medications:

1. Tablet form.
2. Enteric capsules.
3. Suspensions for oral use (for children).
4. In the form of a solution.

The doctor determines in what form the patient should take the medicine based on the presence of certain diseases in the patient, his age and general condition. In the vast majority of cases, such medications are prescribed to children in the form of a suspension.

Medicines for heartburn (video)

General contraindications for use

Medicines to relieve or treat heartburn attacks not prescribed in the presence of the following problems:

• the individual sensitivity of the patient’s body (allergy) to certain ingredients of the drug;
• presence of severe renal failure;
• presence of hypercalcemia;
• availability functional disorders intestines and stomach (dyspepsia, colitis).

Antisecretory drugs are not prescribed during pregnancy or for children under 12 years of age. More detailed list Each specific drug has contraindications in its leaflet, which is included in the package with the medicine.

Common Possible Side Effects

Adverse reactions There are a variety of options for medications for esophagitis, and there are many of them. We list the most common ones:

• allergic reactions, dermatitis (often occurs with Hofitol and Gaviscon);
• loose stools (diarrhea) - often happens with Mezim and Pancreatin 8000;
• bloating and pain in the abdomen (often occurs with Enterosgel and Allohol);
• liver damage (most often found with the drugs “De-Nol” and “Pechaevsky tablets”);
• muscle pain (often occurs with Maalox and Smecta);
• mild headaches (most often caused by taking Almagel and Pechaevsky tablets).

About the dangers and consequences of overdose

In case of an overdose of drugs to combat heartburn, you should immediately call either a doctor at home or an ambulance. It makes sense to take it on your own activated carbon, although in most cases it will not be enough.

It is forbidden to rinse the stomach on your own! This should be done by doctors and only in a hospital setting. The consequences of an overdose of such medications are varied, ranging from nausea to in rare cases fatal.

Combination with other drugs

You cannot combine antacid and antisecretory drugs without the direct prescription of a doctor. This may lead to serious consequences, up to perforated ulcer with massive stomach bleeding. Also similar drugs should not be taken together with such medications, How:

• Tetracycline (antibiotic);
• acetylsalicylic acid;
• Propranolol;
• Indomethacin;
• with various iron-containing medications;
• isoniazid.

It is also strictly forbidden to use medications to combat esophagitis along with drinking alcohol. This can cause unpredictable reactions, including serious poisoning and kidney damage.

Types of heartburn medications

There are only three main types of drugs against esophagitis. Namely:

1. Antacids (reduce acidity).
2. Antisecretory (reduce acid production).
3. Gastrointestinal motility stimulants (improves digestion).

Antacids and antisecretory medications will be discussed in more detail later in the article. Here we will try to explain the principle of operation of motor stimulants. gastrointestinal tract.

You need to start with the fact that esophagitis is often caused by the fact that the stomach simply cannot cope with its job. The stress of eating a large amount of food is so high that food begins to put pressure on the esophageal sphincter, weakening it.

As a result, gastric juice begins to leak through it and even “splash out,” containing not only pieces of food, but also acid. When it gets into the esophagus, it causes the same pain and burning sensation that heartburn is associated with.

Sometimes pain and a burning sensation appear not in the esophagus, but in the stomach area. This is also one of the manifestations of heartburn, although sometimes these are symptoms of antral gastritis.

The point of gastrointestinal motility stimulants is that they help digest food faster and more efficiently, thereby protecting a person from esophagitis. However, with regular eating disorders and abuse of fatty and fried foods such drugs will be useless.

Therefore, they should be taken only against the background of dietary adjustments. Only under this condition do they really help.

Antacids

Antacids (“Almagel”, “Maalox”, “Renia” and others) are the most popular drugs to fight against esophagitis. Their advantages include:

• These medications are sold without a prescription (as evidenced by numerous reviews patients);
• they do not need to be taken in courses; they help against esophagitis immediately after use, although this is, in fact, only symptomatic treatment.

But also these types medicines also have disadvantages. These include:

• short duration of action (antacids can get rid of heartburn for only 1-2 hours);
• antacids have complications such as pain and burning in the abdomen (rarely), diarrhea and constipation (often);
• such medications do not treat the underlying cause of the disease, but only help to temporarily get rid of the symptoms of esophagitis;
• during pregnancy, they and their analogues are contraindicated (the only exception is Rennie for heartburn, but in rare cases), as well as for children under 8 years of age;
• if you often take any similar medications against esophagitis, you can earn chronic disorders work of the gastrointestinal tract (another reason that antacids are not a treatment for esophagitis).

List of antacid medications:

• Almagel (125 rubles);
• Gastal for heartburn (160 rubles);
• Maalox (240 rubles);
• Pechaevsky tablets (200 rubles);
• Gastratsid (70 rubles);
• Phosphalugel for heartburn (250 rubles);
• Rutacid (150 rubles);
• Rennie (125 rubles);
• Vikair (115 rubles);
• Vikalin (120 rubles);
• Smecta (200 rubles).

Antisecretory drugs

Antisecretory drugs can only be taken with the permission of a doctor. In general, the doctor should prescribe them, and only after tests. The advantages of these medications include:

The drug "Gaviscon" for heartburn

• They help better than antacids, including lasting longer (about 8 hours);
• they can be purchased without a prescription (patient reviews confirm this);
• in terms of safety and effectiveness, they are much better than antacids;
• You can drink them systematically, in courses;
• if you take such drugs systematically, you can count on protection from relapses of heartburn;
• There are children's analogues of adult antisecretory drugs, which are available in the form of a suspension (this makes them more convenient for children to take).

Alas, antisecretory drugs also have disadvantages. These include:

• They act only an hour after taking them (reviews confirm this), so it is better to take them as early as possible;
• have more serious side effects compared to antacids (this is confirmed by both scientific studies of the drugs and patient reviews);
• are contraindicated during pregnancy and children under 6 years of age, and even their analogues (“generics”) are contraindicated.

The drug "Maalox": reviews

List of antisecretory medications:

• Omeprazole for heartburn (65 rubles);
• Omez (185 rub.);
• Losek Maps (250 rub.);
• Orthanol (165 rub.);
• Ultop (300 rub.);
• Gastrozol (85 rub.);
• Omitox (145 rub.);
• Noflux (540 rub.);
• Ontime (640 rub.);
• Zulbex (610 rub.);
• Pariet (1600 rub.);
• Chofitol (490 rub.);
• Beret (410 rub.);
• Nexium (RUB 1,250);
• Allohol (290 rub.);
• Gistak (35 rub.);
• Ranitidine (55 rub.);
• Enterosgel (255 rub.);
• Kvamatel (145 rub.);
• Gaviscon (44 rubles).

Drugs that stimulate gastrointestinal motility

There are a huge number of drugs to stimulate gastrointestinal motility. If you choose the cheapest and most effective of them, which can be used by pregnant women, then these are:

1. Domperidone (costs about 160 rubles).
2. Motilak (cost about 150 rubles).
3. Motilium (cost about 360-460 rubles).

All drugs that stimulate gastrointestinal motility increase the overall duration of peristaltic contractions of the intestines and stomach, and also accelerate the process of gastrointestinal emptying. Moreover, these drugs increase the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter, thereby eliminating nausea and vomiting during esophagitis.

The drug "Renny": reviews

List of others medications, which stimulate gastrointestinal motility:

1. Mezim.
2. No-Shpa (however, No-Shpa is rarely used to treat heartburn).
3. Pancreatin 8000.
4. De-Nol (not indicated during pregnancy).
5. Activated charcoal for heartburn (but only once).

Heartburn medications for pregnant women

Not all medications used against esophagitis can be used by pregnant women. But which ones are possible? We present to your attention a list of medications for heartburn that are allowed during pregnancy:

• Maalox;
• Phosphalugel and analogues;
• Palmagel;
• Relzer;
• Almagel and analogues;
• Alumag;
• Gestide and analogues;
• Gasterin;
• Alfogel;
• Pancreatin;
• Mezim;
• Rennie.

Drug rating

From this article it is quite clear that there are many drugs for the treatment of esophagitis. But which ones are the best? Here, the choice of drugs should take into account both the opinion of doctors and patient reviews.

The drug "Rennie" for heartburn

If you imagine top 10 such drugs, then this list should be like this:

1. Mezim.
2. Hofitol.
3. Pancreatin.
4. Enterosgel.
5. Maalox.
6. De-Nol.
7. Rennie.
8. Smecta.
9. Almagel.
10. Pechaevsky tablets.

Allohol and Gaviscon are also very popular among patients. However, doctors do not like to prescribe them due to the large number side effects.

The vast majority of unpleasant sensations that a person may experience in connection with well-being are associated with any disturbances in the functioning of organs and systems. Heartburn is most often not a sign of overeating, but a symptom of certain problems relating to the gastrointestinal tract and digestive system generally. Time-tested and the latest innovations - medications for heartburn, the list of which is regularly updated, help cope with the unpleasant sensation.

Nasty heartburn

It happens that a person sometimes experiences an unpleasant sensation, similar to a burning sensation, spreading behind the sternum. It may be accompanied by a sharp sour taste And bad smell. This is heartburn. Some people experience this feeling very rarely, while others suffer from heartburn all the time. It can appear for many reasons. And everyone who has at least once encountered such a nasty feeling knows which helps with heartburn. Medicines. It is drugs for heartburn that pharmacies often ask for.

Why does heartburn occur?

There are many remedies for heartburn - medications, folk recipes such as soda or chalk, decoctions of various medicinal plants. But heartburn is not as harmless as it might seem at first glance. It can serve as a symptom of serious disorders in the body. Why does there be an unpleasant sensation in the esophagus called heartburn? The main reason is the reflux of stomach contents back into the esophagus. But why such a return movement occurs, it is necessary for a specialist to understand in order to establish the cause and prescribe quality treatment. Pharmacology offers for various reasons differentheartburn medications. The list of such drugs is considerable, and only a doctor can decide on a specific remedy for a specific reason.

Chronic diseases?

The choice of which heartburn medicine to purchase at the pharmacy depends on the diagnosis - the cause of such an unpleasant sensation. Heartburn may be an isolated case of a malfunction of the digestive system, associated, for example, with overeating, or it may be a symptom of some chronic disease. The contents of the stomach are thrown back into the esophagus through a special valve - the sphincter, which proper operation allows food to enter the stomach, but does not allow gastric juice to enter the esophagus. Scientists have found that heartburn occurs due to gastroesophageal reflux or regurgitation. The entry of stomach contents into the esophagus irritates the mucous membranes, causing discomfort and pain. Regular reflux of gastric juice in the opposite direction leads to irritation of the esophagus and the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Her treatment will definitely include heartburn medications. The list of these drugs consists of several drug groups:

• antacids, alginates;
• H2-histamine receptor blockers;
• proton pump inhibitors.

Such a disease in mandatory requires dietary adjustments, weight loss if necessary, changes physical activity. Only complex treatment allows you to normalize the functioning of the esophageal sphincter and reduce the number of gastroesophageal refluxes.

Heartburn during pregnancy

Pregnant women often suffer from heartburn. Growing fetus and changes hormonal balance body expectant mother affect her physiological state. And heartburn in these 9 months is frequent unpleasant phenomenon. Medicine for heartburn during pregnancymust first of all be safe for a growing baby. Therefore, only a doctor can choose a specific drug to help a pregnant woman, taking into account all contraindications. Such drugs belong to the group of “non-absorbable antacids”. When taking such medications, a woman should take into account that they can block and useful substances, entering the body with food, as well as other medications. Therefore, non-absorbable antacids should be taken separately from other medications that the pregnant woman takes.

Post-holiday troubles

Overeating - universal method get a complex of problems with the body - from heaviness in the stomach to heartburn and exacerbation chronic diseases. Therefore, doctors recommend before a rich feast, and even take heartburn medicine with a lot of alcoholic drinks. Cheap remedies that can prevent the appearance of an unpleasant burning sensation in the esophagus are available to everyone, because they are sold from pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription. Of course, it is best to control your appetites, not allowing yourself to overeat. To avoid heartburn, you can also use drugs that promote digestion - special enzymes, such as Mezim or Festal.

Little weaknesses

Heartburn, if it appears, can become a constant companion of life even in the absence of some serious problems with health. Its appearance is promoted by food and drinks that irritate the mucous membrane of the esophagus and stomach. Strange as it may sound, but strong tea and coffee, citrus fruit, mint, alcoholic drinks, hot and spicy foods contribute to heartburn. Many smokers complain of this unpleasant burning sensation in the esophagus because tobacco smoke serves as an activator of the secretory activity of the stomach and the possible release of gastric juice back into the esophagus. TOWhatever medicine for heartburn is prescribed by a doctor, there is no point in taking it if you do not limit yourself in taking it certain products and bad habits.

How is diagnosis carried out?

Before buying and taking medications for heartburn, the list of which is quite extensive, you should find out the cause of its occurrence. The doctor will be able to determine which medications are needed only after an examination. To find out why a person feels an unpleasant burning sensation in the epigastric region, several studies are conducted. Some moments at which heartburn appears are isolated cases in a person’s life; they are clarified by collecting an anamnesis and talking with the patient. In this case best medicine for heartburn - antacids that stop the acid released from the stomach into the esophagus. But some cases require careful instrumental examination and making a serious diagnosis - diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. For such a diagnosis, esophagogastroscopy, x-ray examination, and daily pH measurements are performed.

Help yourself!

The pharmaceutical industry produces many products that help cope with burning in the esophagus due to the release of gastric secretions. Both expensive and cheap medications for heartburn, the list of which is quite extensive, should be prescribed for use only after consultation with a doctor. Symptomatic help is, of course, needed. But the person himself must try to exclude the possibility of such an unpleasant sensation as a burning sensation after regurgitation of gastric secretions. Diet and certain dietary restrictions, quitting smoking, normalizing body weight, intensifying your lifestyle - all this will help cope with heartburn.

Medicines for heartburn

"What's the best medicine for heartburn?" - Pharmacists often hear this question. There can be no definite answer here. All such drugs are divided into several groups, depending on how they work:

• Antacids neutralize excess hydrochloric acid, which forms the basis of gastric secretions. They are divided into absorbable and non-absorbable antacids. The first remedy is soda. It has been used as a remedy for heartburn for over a hundred years. But today doctors do not recommend treatment with this substance, as it has a huge number of side effects. Modern antacid drugs are developed as complex agents that are not only capable of neutralizing gastric acid, but also haveadsorbent, cytoprotective and enveloping properties. These substances also activate some recovery processes epithelial cells stomach walls, the production of certain substances that promote normal operation Gastrointestinal tract.
• Alginates are substances obtained from brown algae, which have an enveloping property that protects the mucous membranes from irritation, and a hemostatic quality, so necessary in ulcerative processes.
• Proton pump inhibitors are antisecretory substances that help block proton movement through the cell membrane, and therefore reduce the level of hydrochloric acid production.

All medications for heartburn, the list of which can be divided into three parts, have their own mechanism of action. Define specific reason burning sensation in the esophagus, and therefore a certain type medicinal product Only a doctor can.

Antacid medications

One of common reasons for going to the pharmacy for symptomatic means- heartburn. The medications that are reviewed by the vast majority of customers in pharmacies are antacids and alginates. Often this complex preparations, in which there are several active ingredients, working differently to achieve one result - eliminating heartburn.

These drugs include: "Rennie", "Phosphalugel", "Maalox", "Almagel", "Gastal", "Gaviscon", "Gastrofarm" and many others. Your doctor will help you choose a specific drug after determining the cause of heartburn. Often such products are bought in the home medicine cabinet as an emergency remedy to eliminate an unpleasant sensation in the esophagus after a feast, stress, or physical activity. But if heartburn becomes a constant companion, it is still necessary to undergo an examination.

Proton pump

Which heartburn medicine should I choose to get rid of it as quickly as possible? Pharmacology offers several various types medicines. But in lately Doctors attach particular importance to proton pump inhibitors. These drugs do not disrupt the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract; they work to correct the production of gastric secretions.

Currently, all such drugs are gaining increasing popularity, not only in getting rid of heartburn, but also in the treatment of gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, pancreatitis and some other diseases. Only the attending physician can prescribe such drugs, which include omeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole, esomeprazole.

Heartburn, a seemingly harmless nuisance, should not be treated on its own. Like any other health problem, it needs to be identified to rule it out. serious illnesses and consider heartburn to be an isolated incident related to the past holidays.

Is surgery unavoidable?

If heartburn occurs, what medications should I take to get rid of it? You can purchase symptomatic antacids, which are sold at any pharmacy, to relieve the unpleasant sensation. But consultation with a doctor is necessary, especially if such drugs do not help, heartburn becomes regular, not associated with any specific moments.

It happens that medications cannot get rid of heartburn. In this case, you will have to resort to surgical intervention. This is the most extreme measure that is necessary to eliminate the functional insufficiency of the lower esophageal sphincter. To help with the operation, supportive medications and diet are prescribed.

Heartburn is a very unpleasant burning sensation in the esophagus resulting from reverse cast stomach secretions into the esophagus through the esophageal lower sphincter. The causes of heartburn may be minor - overeating, physical activity, stressful situation. They may be a consequence of a certain condition - pregnancy. Heartburn can also serve as a symptom of dangerous diseases - from impaired production of stomach secretions to heart disease.

The list of available medications to reduce heartburn symptoms is quite extensive. However, when choosing, you should not be guided only by price: first it is important to find out the cause of heartburn, and only then choose suitable drug and start treatment.

What causes heartburn

Human esophagus and stomach separated by a special valve, opening in one direction. Thanks to it, food enters the stomach cavity, after which the valve closes, and its return movement becomes impossible. Because of various kinds irregularities in work Gastrointestinal tract The tightness of this valve may be impaired, causing stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus. Similar phenomenon called gastroesophageal reflux.

Due to the ingress of hydrochloric acid contained in the stomach, irritation occurs on the walls of the esophagus, which provokes heartburn. The person begins to experience a debilitating burning sensation in the chest area, and there is a sourish-bitter taste in the mouth.

Typically, heartburn manifests itself as a symptom of pathology in the gastrointestinal tract.

Heartburn usually develops against the background of the following diseases:

• reflux gastritis;
• stomach ulcer;
• diabetes mellitus;
• diaphragmatic hernia.

There are several types of medications against heartburn, but their action is aimed only at quickly reducing the debilitating symptoms of the disease and bringing relief to the patient.

To completely get rid of heartburn, you should undergo a detailed clinical examination and cure the disease that triggered its occurrence.

Classification of medications for the treatment of heartburn

In order to get rid of heartburn attacks and stop its reoccurrence, three groups of drugs are used:

• antacids;
• antisecretory;
• stimulating gastrointestinal motility.

Group of medicines	Purpose	Advantages	Flaws
Antacids	The composition is dominated by baking soda in combination with magnesium and aluminum. The action is aimed at neutralizing the produced hydrochloric acid, which helps get rid of the burning sensation.	sold without a prescription; An effective remedy for quickly relieving heartburn symptoms.	do not last long; large number side effects leading to serious consequences; with frequent use, they disrupt the mineral balance in the body; They only remove symptoms and do not have any effect on the root cause of heartburn, so they do not eliminate repeated attacks; in most cases, it is impossible to use antacids with other drugs, since the former have an inhibitory effect on the latter.
Action similar drugs is aimed at reducing the body's production of hydrochloric acid, which subsequently prevents the occurrence of heartburn relapses. They are used in serious cases when other drugs have not helped.	sold in the public domain; therapeutic effect lasts up to 8 hours; in certain pharmacological forms are applicable for children; When taken regularly, they help avoid recurrent attacks in the long term.	the effect is not immediately noticeable, its onset occurs more slowly than from taking antacids; produce an inhibitory effect on other types of drugs; a large number of serious side effects: from diarrhea to hepatitis; Contraindicated for pregnant and nursing mothers.
Medicines to stimulate gastrointestinal motility	Such medications are not a direct way to cure heartburn, but they neutralize the symptoms that arise from the reflux of bile into the esophagus, which eliminates heartburn and characteristic attacks nausea.	are on free sale; few side effects; applicable in cases where heartburn is accompanied by attacks of vomiting and severe nausea.	are not a direct method of treatment; the effect does not appear immediately; do not exclude repeated relapses.

Baking soda is often used to treat heartburn.

This substance is an emergency remedy for severe attacks, however, it is allowed to be taken only in extreme cases.

Regular use of soda causes reverse effect: hydrochloric acid begins to be produced in double volume.

Also similar treatment is fraught with the formation of kidney stones.

Antacid medications for heartburn

Tablets of this group are the most commonly used and effective method treatment.

There are several subgroups of drugs depending on active substance:

• Aluminum and magnesium hydroxide: help reduce acidity. Among domestic inexpensive drugs similar compositions can be called Maalox, Gastratsid, Gastal.
• Hydratalcite: frequent use is fraught with diarrhea; these drugs are prescribed with extreme caution to pregnant women. Names of drugs: Rutacid, Taltsid.
• Calcium carbonate, magnesium: not taken with other medications, in particular antibiotics, and not prescribed to children under 12 years of age. The most common drug is Rennie, cheaper analogues are Pechaevsky, Gelusil-lac.
• Bismuth subnitrate. Names of drugs from this subgroup: Vikalin and its analog Vikair.
• WITH aluminum phosphate Contains Phosphalugel.

Therapy with antisecretory drugs

Their action is aimed not at the symptoms, but at the cause of heartburn: control of the production of hydrochloric acid.

This group offers a large selection of heartburn tablets - inexpensive, domestic, with a good therapeutic effect.

Treatment with them is prescribed only in cases where other methods have not helped, in particular dietary food, control the amount of food consumed and avoid overeating.

Based on the composition of the active substance and effect, the following tablets are distinguished:

• Proton pump blockers containing omeprazole: Omeprazole, Gastrozol, Orthanol, Omez.
• Histamine H2 blocking drugs. By suppressing acid production, they have a mild antiulcer effect. The most common drug is Ranitidine; cheap analogues are Ranisan, Gistak, and Zantac. Drugs of this group containing famotidine have good therapeutic data: Kvamatel and more cheap analogue Famotidine.

Medicines that stimulate the gastrointestinal tract

This group of medications is aimed at reducing the manifestation of reflux, therefore it is also used for heartburn. By improving gastric motility and prolonging its contractions, the tablets stimulate digestive process, keep the gastrointestinal tract in good shape and reduce symptoms of functional disorders.

Among inexpensive drugs, the most effective are Motilac or Domperidone, the more expensive option is Motilium.

Medications for heartburn during pregnancy

During gestation, especially in the first months, as the fetus grows, the uterus begins to put pressure on internal organs mother: stomach, liver, and kidneys. Because of this, gastric juice rises into the esophagus, and the woman experiences prolonged heartburn. Most often, its symptoms disappear after the first trimester, but sometimes the unpleasant phenomenon lingers for the entire period of pregnancy.

Treatment during this period is complicated by the fact that most of the tablets are not approved for pregnant women. Even if the instructions do not indicate that the drug should not be taken during pregnancy, a woman should coordinate the use of each medication with her partner. permanent doctor. During pregnancy, the following drugs are usually prescribed: Rennie, Pulsatill or Causticum, depending on the intensity and characteristics of the symptoms.

• The most suitable tablets are from the group of antacids, which are not absorbed by the body and are completely eliminated. Their influence reduces the amount of acid produced, but the blood is not clogged with the components of the drug. The tablets contain magnesium, calcium, aluminum, therefore, it is imperative to coordinate their use with your doctor so as not to cause an excess of any of the substances in the body. Thus, long-term use of calcium-containing medications can cause premature ossification of the fetal skull and threaten complications during childbirth.
• To get rid of belching and reduce the intensity of burning, you can sometimes use sodium chloride.
• If symptoms of heartburn occur, you should initially focus on changing your diet, resorting to pills only in extreme cases - with a severe relapse.

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Heartburn is the main symptom that occurs with gastroesophageal reflux. This is an unpleasant sensation, which many patients characterize as a burning sensation, less often tingling, in the projection of the esophagus. Some patients demonstrate the localization of these sensations by pointing to their sternum. In the vast majority of cases, heartburn is one of the signs of gastroesophageal reflux. Naturally, people who regularly experience such sensations are looking for what pills to take to get rid of the disease.

Many people are familiar with the unpleasant burning sensation called heartburn.

Relevance of the issue

This is a fairly common pathology. Almost half of the population experiences heartburn about once a month; for many, this symptom can occur two or three times a week. This problem is most common in the Americas and Europe, the Middle East and Asia. GERD develops in a smaller percentage of the population. This prevalence could not help but contribute to the creation of many drugs for heartburn.

Despite the fact that gastroesophageal reflux disease causes only a feeling of discomfort, which at first quickly passes, it is a rather serious disease, which indicates a significant disturbance in the functioning of the body, and can lead to serious consequences. Therefore, it is better not to delay treatment for heartburn, because some of the conditions that arise as a result of advanced GERD can only be treated with surgery.

Pathological mechanisms underlying the occurrence of heartburn

The pathogenesis of this symptom complex is quite simple. The human stomach maintains acidic environment, which is necessary for activation digestive enzymes, for example, pepsin. They are factors in the aggression of gastric juice, and normally break down proteins supplied with food. However, if the muscle sphincter of the esophagus loses the ability to completely close, then when the pressure inside the stomach increases, part of its contents may flow back into the esophageal space. This is called reflux, or regurgitation.

The mechanism of heartburn

A situation is possible when not only the contents of the stomach, but also the contents of the duodenum enter the esophagus. In that case negative influence also provide bile acids, trypsin and chymotrypsin, amylase (their full list much more). Since the mucous membrane of the esophagus, unlike the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines, does not have a system to protect itself from these substances, it is very quickly damaged, cell death, decreased barrier function, bacterial invasion and local inflammation occur. Due to chemical and mechanical damage Local erosions develop, which can later develop into ulcers.

Threat of GERD

So it's enough dangerous disease, which leads to the development of pronounced changes in the tissues of the esophagus, can significantly worsen the quality of life of patients, and lead to an increased risk of developing malignant tumors. This is due to the fact that under the influence of aggressive factors, mucosal cells constantly die and are renewed. And the activation of proliferative processes against the background of inflammation increases the risk of the appearance of a malignant cell that will not be detected immune system. Therefore, if these symptoms occur, it is advisable to consult a doctor who will diagnose correct diagnosis and prescribe a remedy for heartburn.

Key areas of treatment for heartburn

Correct GERD treatment a gastroenterologist can select

Main goal drug therapy with GERD – decreased aggressiveness of gastric contents. For this purpose, substances are used that in one way or another reduce the number of released molecules. perchloric acid. The second group of drugs improves contractile function muscle membrane and motility of the stomach and intestines.

Medicines are produced by almost all pharmacological companies; there are both foreign and Russian drugs.

The following have anti-heartburn activity:

• Substances that inhibit the activity of the proton pump.
• Medicines that block type 2 histamine receptors.
• Antacids.

The first two groups of medications for heartburn are called antisecretory drugs, since they reduce the secretion of chlorous acid, while antacids help neutralize those ions that are already in the lumen of the stomach.

Heartburn medications, like other drugs, are available in a wide price range. You can find both expensive foreign brands and their cheap analogues. For example, widely known remedy"Rennie" acts as a traditional antacid - the calcium and magnesium carbonates included in its composition enter into a classic neutralization reaction with acid, resulting in the formation of water and salts.

Antacids in different price categories

Antacid drug

At the same time, Almagel is an inexpensive product that acts similar principle. It binds acid molecules, reducing acidity and reducing the damaging effect of gastric contents on the mucous membranes. A similar effect is characteristic of many drugs, such as Phosphalugel, Gastal, Maalox, even ordinary calcium phosphate.

Of course, each of them has its own characteristics - the speed of development of the effect, the duration of the effect, its severity.

However, in general, these analogues help well with gastritis and heartburn, and you should not refuse them. Of course, it is not advisable to buy medications yourself; it is better to consult a doctor and ask him which medications are best to use, since GERD requires an individual approach.

The use of H2 blockers in the treatment of GERD

Drugs from the histamine receptor blocker group act directly on the parietal cells of the stomach, inhibiting their activity. As a result of this, both the amount of gastric juice secreted by them and its activity decrease, as the level of activated pepsin decreases. These remedies are effective for all pathologies that are associated with increased gastric secretion. The pharmacy will definitely have several representatives of this group of drugs in stock.

Drug for the treatment of reflux esophagitis

The most common medicine in this group is Ranitidine.

This domestic drug(its name coincides with the name of the active substance), which is inexpensive, however, has good effect and helps with heartburn. Other budget analogues are Gistak, Ranisan, or Famotidine. They are also produced under other names - Zantac, Kvamatel, which are significantly more expensive.

The feasibility of using proton pump blockers for heartburn

Another class of substances effective for gastroesophageal reflux is proton pump blockers. They inhibit the sodium-potassium pump of the parietal cells of the stomach, thus blocking the secretion of hydrogen and chloride ions, which combine in the lumen of the stomach to form chlorous acid. Under the influence of certain substances, the intensity of this process weakens.

Proton pump inhibitor

This group also has inexpensive tablets for heartburn, for example, Omeprazole, Orthanol, Gastrozol. All of them are adequately effective and do not have any additional side effects compared to more expensive drugs. However, their lower price will allow them to be taken sufficiently long time, which is much better than short-term use of even the most expensive medications.

General rules for taking medications for heartburn

Regardless of whether they apply inexpensive means for heartburn or expensive imported drugs, it is important to understand that each case of GERD is individual, and treatment should be prescribed after consultation medical worker. Moreover, the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease can only be made in a hospital setting, using instrumental and laboratory diagnostic methods.

Self-administration of drugs reduces the effectiveness of treatment, since there is no possibility of dynamic observation and competent adjustment of drug doses. We must also remember that despite its apparent harmlessness, heartburn is the main symptom of a rather serious disease, sometimes leading to severe complications. Therefore, it is better to consult a doctor immediately after the corresponding symptoms appear, which will allow you to begin treatment early stage, easy to correct.