Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI), H2 Blockers and antacids: A review
Medications for acid reflux, heartburn, and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) come in three types: H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and antacids. They all work differently and are geared towards either prevention or quick relief. H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors work better than antacids, but if you need something for very quick relief, antacids are an option. Antacids don’t do anything to prevent GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), but they can be used on demand for symptom relief. They are cheap and available over the counter.H2 blockers (histamine blockers) block one of the first stimuli for acid production. PPIs block the final step in the pathway of acid secretion in the stomach. In other words, the acid which has been produced (which may be reduced due to an H2 blocker) is prevented from arriving in the stomach. Of the three classes, antacids are the fastest acting. They start providing relief to the patient within five...