Medical Treatment

Your health care provider will recommend treating heartburn in a stepwise fashion.

• Over-the-counter antacids are the oldest effective self-treatments for heartburn. Through the centuries, people have chewed on chalk (the active ingredient is calcium carbonate) to ease heartburn. Antacid tablets are slow to act. Tablets are less powerful in neutralizing stomach acid than liquid antacids.
  
  
  • Antacids are useful because they provide rapid relief of heartburn, especially if it is caused by foods or certain activity. But relief is only temporary. Over-the-counter antacids do not prevent heartburn from returning or allow an injured esophagus to heal. If you need antacids for more than 2 weeks, talk with your health care provider to get a better diagnosis of your condition and appropriate treatment.
    
    
  • Most varieties of antacids you can buy in drug stores are combinations of aluminum and magnesium hydroxide. Antacids containing these ingredients may produce unwanted diarrhea or constipation.
    
    
  • Antacids containing calcium carbonate are the most potent in neutralizing stomach acid. Popular brands are Tums and Titralac.
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• Follow label instructions and do not take more than the recommended daily dose. Most commonly, users take antacids after meals and at bedtime-or when you have symptoms.
  
  
• Always tell your health care provider about your antacid use.