Acid Reducer Medicine

What are some important things you must be aware of about the medicines you take?

Make sure you are well aware of all the components of the medicines you commit yourself to. This also includes the reason behind your administration of the medicine, how you to take the medicine and also what you must expect when you're taking it. Also, be sure to know about the warnings related to the medicine.

The information provided is generic in nature. So be sure that you read from an accredited source in depth about the effect of the medicine. Also, don’t commit to any medicine without getting in touch with the physician or doctor.

What are Acid Reducers Pills used for?

Acid reducers are majorly used for the following:

• Treat the trouble of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• Treat various ulcers.
• Helps prevent some major problems that are prevalent amongst people who are at high risk of ulcers, like those who take NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) long-term and those who are in the hospital.

What are some examples of acid reducers?

The two major types of acid reducers are: H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors. For each item mentioned below, the first is a generic name which is followed by any brand names.

H2 blockers

• cimetidine (Tagamet)
• famotidine (Pepcid)
• nizatidine (Axid)
• ranitidine (Zantac)

Proton pump inhibitors

• esomeprazole (Nexium)
• lansoprazole (Prevacid)
• omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid)
• pantoprazole (Protonix)
• rabeprazole (Aciphex)

There are more acid reducers available in the market.

How do acid reducers work?

Acid reducers are the ones to decrease the presence of acid by reducing the production of acid in stomach. The acid reduction can help safeguard the esophagus, stomach, and intestines from getting damaged. It can also very well heal the damage caused from an ulcer or from major inflammation of the esophagus.

What about side effects?

All the medicines tend to can cause some side effects. Many people don't even feel the side effects kicking in. And some minor side effects sometimes just fade away after a while.

But, in some cases the side effects can become a major problem or can be serious.

• H2 blockers. These can cause some major headaches, dizziness, diarrhea or constipation, or even nausea and vomiting.
• Proton pump inhibitors. Headaches and diarrhea happen to be the most common side effects. Using PPIs for prolonged time can significantly increase your risk of infections as well as broken bones.

If you're facing problems or are being stuck with some major side effects, then consult and talk to your doctor. He or she would be able to help you lower your dose or even change and make a switch towards a better and different medicine.

Always ensure that you get the specific information on the medicine that you're opting for. You must consult and tell the doctor about your past medical history, your allergies and reactions if there exists any.

Cautions about acid reducers

General cautions for all medicines include the following:

• Allergic reactions:Medicines tend to have some reaction. This can go as far as a serious emergency in some cases. Before you commit to any new medicine, inform your doctor or the pharmacist about all the past allergic reactions you've ever had with any drug.
• Drug interactions:Sometimes it so happens that one medicine retards and restricts the chances of another medicine from working well. Or you might be struck by some major side effects that you didn't even expect. Medicines might also interact with some foods or drinks, like the grapefruit juice and alcohol. Some interactions can go as far as being too dangerous.
• Harm to unborn babies and newborns:If you are pregnant or are expecting or wish to conceive soon, or breastfeeding, then ask your doctor or your trusted pharmacist if there happens to be any medicine that you must be beware of as it can harm your baby.
• Other health problems:Before committing to a medicine, ensure that the doctor or the pharmacist understands the overall health problem that you are currently dealing with. Other health problems might also be the reason behind the medicine reacting differently for you. Or the medicine for one health problem may affect another health problem.

It is always advised to consult a reliable and experienced doctor and pharmacist before you take any medicine. This includes the prescription and all the over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. Each information is crucial and must be carefully passed on to the doctor when it comes to reaction to a medicine or a drug.