Simple Ways to Manage Digestive Problems
Simple Ways to Manage Digestive Problems
PPIs are available over the counter and by prescription. But if you have GERD, you may need prescription-strength medication.
How do you take PPIs?
You need to take PPIs once a day on an empty stomach so they’ll work best. Usually you’ll take the medicine every morning, about 30 to 60 minutes before you eat breakfast, to control stomach acid.
Talk to your doctor before taking the PPI called omeprazole if you take clopidogrel (a drug used to prevent heart attacks and strokes). Taking the two drugs will make clopidogrel less effective.
What are the side effects of PPIs?
The most common side effects are mild and include:
PPIs may also raise your chances of getting an infection of the intestines or lungs, but this is rare. These medicines have also been linked to fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine. The risk is highest in people who take PPIs for a year or more.
Over-the-Counter Heartburn Relief
Prokinetics
What are prokinetics?
Prokinetics help your stomach empty faster, so you have less acid left behind. Usually you take this medicine before meals and at bedtime.
Prokinetics are sold only by prescription.
What are the side effects of prokinetics?
Prokinetics can have more serious side effects than PPIs or H2 blockers. These include:
If Medicines Don’t Help
Should I call my doctor?
Yes. If your heartburn isn’t getting better, your medicines cause side effects you can’t tolerate, or you have other complications, you may need surgery. It is rare to need surgery for heartburn.
Digestive Health Tips
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Heartburn/GERD continued...
PPIs are available over the counter and by prescription. But if you have GERD, you may need prescription-strength medication.
How do you take PPIs?
You need to take PPIs once a day on an empty stomach so they’ll work best. Usually you’ll take the medicine every morning, about 30 to 60 minutes before you eat breakfast, to control stomach acid.
Talk to your doctor before taking the PPI called omeprazole if you take clopidogrel (a drug used to prevent heart attacks and strokes). Taking the two drugs will make clopidogrel less effective.
What are the side effects of PPIs?
The most common side effects are mild and include:
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain
PPIs may also raise your chances of getting an infection of the intestines or lungs, but this is rare. These medicines have also been linked to fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine. The risk is highest in people who take PPIs for a year or more.
Over-the-Counter Heartburn Relief
| Type of medicine | How they work | How fast they start working | How long the effects last | Side effects |
Antacids | They neutralize stomach acid. | Within seconds | Up to 3 hours | Some cause constipation and diarrhea. |
H2 Blockers | They lower the amount of acid your stomach makes. | In about 30 minutes | Up to 12 hours | They may cause constipation, diarrhea, headache, nausea, or vomiting. |
Proton-Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) | They lower the amount of acid your stomach makes. | Up to 4 days | Up to 24 hours | They may cause diarrhea, headache, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting. |
Prokinetics
What are prokinetics?
Prokinetics help your stomach empty faster, so you have less acid left behind. Usually you take this medicine before meals and at bedtime.
Prokinetics are sold only by prescription.
What are the side effects of prokinetics?
Prokinetics can have more serious side effects than PPIs or H2 blockers. These include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Nausea
- Problems with movement
If Medicines Don’t Help
Should I call my doctor?
Yes. If your heartburn isn’t getting better, your medicines cause side effects you can’t tolerate, or you have other complications, you may need surgery. It is rare to need surgery for heartburn.
