Acid Reflux Treatment

You have asked to review the most potent treatments for GERD.

If you have daily symptoms that are not relieved by milder acid-blockers, you can benefit from an over-the-counter or prescription medicine on our third step. Step 3 medicines prevent symptoms, but they work too gradually to be used for as-needed treatment. Use Step 3 drugs either daily or twice daily depending on your need. These medicines can take up to two months to reach their full benefit, although most people get relief much more quickly.

Step 3: Drugs for GERD

Acid blockers of high potency

Medications called "Proton pump inhibitors" are able to powerfully reduce the quantity of acid that the stomach produces, especially when these medicines are taken in high doses. Examples include omeprazole (Prilosec OTC, Prilosec, or generic omeprazole), esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), pantoprazole (Protonix), and rabeprazole (Aciphex).

Are there any more steps? I don't have relief on a Step 3 drug.

Thanks, I am ready to exit the GERD Treatment Guide.