Acid Reflux

Acid Reflux, also known as Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) is when stomach acid leaks out of the stomach into the oesophagus (a tube that runs from the mouth to the stomach). This condition can affect people of all ages, occuring in one in five people and is most common in adults aged 40 and over.

Proton pump inhibitors are a class of medication that treat Acid Reflux. They work by suppressing the production of stomach acid, which counteracts the symptoms of acid reflux.

A hiatal hernia is a common cause of acid reflux and occurs when the upper part of the stomach bulges through the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a large muscle that separates the abdomen and the chest and helps keep the acid in the stomach. Having a hiatal hernia means acid is able to freely move into the oesophagus and cause acid reflux symptoms. Other risk factors of acid reflux include those who are obese, pregrant, smokers or those who suffer from stress/anxiety. Some medication such as ibuprofen and aspirin can also cause acid reflux as a side effect. Eating large meals or eating 3-4 hours before bed is associated with causing acid reflux as there is not enough time for the food to be processed in the stomach before lying down, therefore symptoms of acid reflux will be more likely when lying down.

Omeprazole

Overview:

Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat indigestion, heartburn and excess stomach acid in acid reflux. Proton pump inhibitors work by blocking the production of stomach acid made by glands in the lining of your stomach, resulting in a reduction in symptoms associated with acid reflux.

Directions:

Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water - do not break or chew the capsule. It should be taken once daily, preferably at the same time each day in the morning. If you are prescribed to take Omeprazole twice a day, it is recommended to take 1 dose in the morning, and 1 dose in the evening.

FAQ:

What if I forget to take it?

If you take it once a day: take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is within 12 hours of your next dose, then skip the dose.

If you take it twice a day: take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is within 4 hours of your next dose, then skip the dose.

What if I take too much?

If you accidentally exceed the recommended dose by 1 or 2 extra doses, it is unlikely to cause any problems. If you start to experience flushed skin, blurred vision, a quicker heartbeat or feeling sweaty, sleepy or confused, consult your doctor.

Can I take Omeprazole with alcohol?

Yes, it is safe to drink alcohol when taking omeprazole. Alcohol does not affect the medication. However, if you suffer from dizziness when taking omeprazole, alcohol will make this worse, therefore alcohol should be avoided in this case.

What is the difference between Omeprazole and Losec?

Losec is the branded version of omeprazole. Omeprazole is the generic version. Both work in the same way and both contain the same quantity of the active ingredient, omeprazole. Losec is more expensive as it is the branded version.

Side Effects: 

●      Nausea & vomiting

●      Stomach pain

●      Gas

●      Headache

●      Diarrhoea

Patient Information Leaflet (from EMC):

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/5944/pil

Losec

Overview:

Omeprazole is the active ingredient in Losec, which is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat indigestion, heartburn and excess stomach acid in acid reflux. Proton pump inhibitors work by blocking the production of stomach acid made by glands in the lining of your stomach, resulting in a reduction in symptoms associated with acid reflux.

Directions:

Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water - do not break or chew the capsule. It should be taken once daily, preferably at the same time each day in the morning. If you are prescribed to take Losec twice a day, it is recommended to take 1 dose in the morning, and 1 dose in the evening.

FAQ:

What if I forget to take it?

If you take it once a day: take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is within 12 hours of your next dose, then skip the dose.

If you take it twice a day: take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is within 4 hours of your next dose, then skip the dose.

What if I take too much?

If you accidentally exceed the recommended dose by 1 or 2 extra doses, it is unlikely to cause any problems. If you start to experience flushed skin, blurred vision, a quicker heartbeat or feeling sweaty, sleepy or confused, consult your doctor.

Can I take Losec with alcohol?

Yes, it is safe to drink alcohol when taking omeprazole. Alcohol does not affect the medication. However, if you suffer from dizziness when taking omeprazole, alcohol will make this worse, therefore alcohol should be avoided in this case.

What is the difference between Omeprazole and Losec?

Losec is the branded version of omeprazole. Omeprazole is the generic version. Both work in the same way and both contain the same quantity of the active ingredient, omeprazole. Losec is more expensive as it is the branded version.

Side Effects: 

●      Nausea & vomiting

●      Stomach pain

●      Gas

●      Headache

●      Diarrhoea

Patient Information Leaflet (from EMC):

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1509/pil

Zoton FasTab

Overview:

Lansoprazole is the active ingredient in Zoton FasTabs, which is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat the excess stomach acid in acid reflux. Proton pump inhibitors work by blocking the production of stomach acid made by glands in the lining of your stomach, resulting in a reduction in symptoms associated with acid reflux.

Directions:

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water - do not break or chew the tablet. It should be taken once daily, preferably at the same time each day in the morning, at least 30 minutes before eating.

FAQ:

What is the difference between Lansoprazole and Zoton FasTab?

Zoton FasTab is the branded version of lansoprazole and is a tablet formulation. Lansoprazole is the generic version and is usually a capsule formulation. Both work in the same way and both contain the active ingredient, lansoprazole.

Side Effects: 

●      Nausea & vomiting

●      Stomach pain

●      Gas

●      Headache

●      Diarrhoea

Patient Information Leaflet (from EMC):

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1714/pil#gref

Lansoprazole

Overview:

Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers, erosive esophagitis, and excess stomach acid in acid reflux. Proton pump inhibitors work by blocking the production of stomach acid made by glands in the lining of your stomach, resulting in a reduction in symptoms associated with acid reflux.

Directions:

Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water - do not break or chew the capsule. It should be taken once daily, preferably at the same time each day in the morning, at least 30 minutes before eating.

FAQ:

What is the difference between Lansoprazole and Zoton FasTab?

Zoton FasTab is the branded version of lansoprazole and is a tablet formulation. Lansoprazole is the generic version and is usually a capsule formulation. Both work in the same way and both contain the active ingredient, lansoprazole.

Side Effects:

●      Nausea & vomiting

●      Stomach pain

●      Gas

●      Headache

●      Diarrhoea

Patient Information Leaflet (from EMC):

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/4164/pil

Nexium

Overview:

Esomeprazole is the active ingredient in Nexium, which is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers, erosive esophagitis, and excess stomach acid in acid reflux. Proton pump inhibitors work by blocking the production of stomach acid made by glands in the lining of your stomach, resulting in a reduction in symptoms associated with acid reflux.

Directions:

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water - do not break or chew the tablet. It should be taken once daily, preferably at the same time each day in the morning, at least 30 minutes before eating.

FAQ:

What is the difference between Esomeprazole and Nexium?

Nexium is the branded version of esomeprazole. Esomeprazole is the generic version. Both work in the same way and both contain the active ingredient, esomeprazole. The generic version is available at a lower cost.

Side Effects: 

●      Nausea & vomiting

●      Stomach pain

●      Gas

●      Headache

●      Diarrhoea

Patient Information Leaflet (from EMC):

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/2968/pil

Pantoprazole

Overview:

Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers, erosive esophagitis, and excess stomach acid in acid reflux. Proton pump inhibitors work by blocking the production of stomach acid made by glands in the lining of your stomach, resulting in a reduction in symptoms associated with acid reflux.

Directions:

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water - do not break or chew the tablet. It should be taken once daily, preferably at the same time each day in the morning, at least 30 minutes before eating.

FAQ:

What if I forget to take it?

If you take it once a day: take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is within 12 hours of your next dose, then skip the dose.

If you take it twice a day: take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is within 4 hours of your next dose, then skip the dose.

What if I take too much?

If you accidentally exceed the recommended dose by 1 or 2 extra doses, it is unlikely to cause any problems. If you start to experience flushed skin, blurred vision, a quicker heartbeat or feeling sweaty, sleepy or confused, consult your doctor.

Can I take pantoprazole with alcohol?

Yes, it is safe to drink alcohol when taking omeprazole. Alcohol does not affect the medication. However, if you suffer from dizziness when taking omeprazole, alcohol will make this worse, therefore alcohol should be avoided in this case.

Side Effects: 

●      Nausea & vomiting

●      Stomach pain

●      Gas

●      Headache

●      Diarrhoea

Patient Information Leaflet (from EMC):

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/7089/pil

Pyrocalm

Overview:

Omeprazole is the active ingredient in Pyrocalm, which is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat indigestion, heartburn and excess stomach acid in acid reflux. Proton pump inhibitors work by blocking the production of stomach acid made by glands in the lining of your stomach, resulting in a reduction in symptoms associated with acid reflux.

Directions:

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water - do not break or chew the tablet. It should be taken once daily, preferably at the same time each day in the morning, on an empty stomach 30 minutes before eating.

FAQ:

How long does Pyrocalm take to work?

You should start to feel symptoms improve within two to three days. However, for some patients the medication can take a bit longer to become fully effective, so you could have some symptoms for up to four weeks after starting  the medication, but this is rare.

How long does Pyrocalm last?

Pyrocalm offers 24-hours of protection against the symptoms of acid reflux.

What if I take too much?

If you accidentally exceed the recommended dose by 1 or 2 extra doses, it is unlikely to cause any problems. If you start to experience flushed skin, blurred vision, a quicker heartbeat or feeling sweaty, sleepy or confused, consult your doctor.

Can I take Pyrocalm with alcohol?

Yes, it is safe to drink alcohol when taking pyrocalm. Alcohol does not affect the medication. However, if you suffer from dizziness when taking pyrocalm, alcohol will make this worse, therefore alcohol should be avoided in this case.

What is the difference between Omeprazole and Pyrocalm?

Both medications contain omeprazole as the active ingredient, so medically speaking there is nothing different as both work in the same way and both contain the same active ingredient, omeprazole. The main difference is that pyrocalm can be bought over the counter at a pharmacy, whereas omeprazole can only be provided if you have a prescription for it.

Side Effects: 

●      Nausea & vomiting

●      Stomach pain

●      Gas

●      Headache

●      Diarrhoea

Patient Information Leaflet (from EMC):

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/9154/pil

Common Symptoms of Acid Reflux:

●      Heartburn - a burning sensation in the chest, usually worse when bending or lying down, or after meals.

●      An unpleasant, sour taste in the mouth, caused by stomach acid.

●      Difficulty swallowing

How can I avoid Acid Reflux?

Some people suffer from long-term acid reflux. The chance of symptoms occurring can be reduced by having smaller meals more often rather than having large meals less frequently. Raising the head of your bed, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding dietary triggers will also reduce the chance of symptoms occurring.

What are the Treatments for Acid Reflux?

There is no cure for acid reflux, however eating smaller portions more often, prescription medication and over the counter medication can treat the symptoms of acid reflux.