Only a medical professional will be able to examine you and tell you what the safest acid reflux medicine is for you, but current options include drugs like Pepcid AC, Nexium, and Pepto-Bismol. Acid reflux is a medical condition caused by digestive fluids typically found in the stomach traveling up the esophagus. This can create a great deal of pain, discomfort, and permanent damage for many who suffer from it.
If you think you are experiencing acid reflux and want to take medication to treat this condition, it is best to see a healthcare provider for professional guidance. A medical professional will be able to confirm your diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate medication, dosage, and frequency. Some acid reflux medications, like ranitidine, can even be dangerous. This makes it all the more important to seek counsel from a specialist.
Causes of Acid Reflux
Acid reflux disease affects people of all ages, ethnicities, and demographics. Acid reflux disease may also be referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease, sometimes shortened as GERD. A joint study by Johns Hopkins Hospital and Homestead Hospital estimates that as many as 1 in 5 adults, or 20%, are affected by a form of GERD.
This condition is generally characterized by a burning sensation in the stomach, chest, and throat. The discomfort can range in severity and is caused by contents from the stomach, like acidic digestive fluids, traveling up the esophagus. This can be caused by diet, medication side effects, pregnancy, smoking, drinking, a chronic physical condition, obesity, or other reasons.
Paying attention to your diet and trying to determine which foods cause you discomfort can help you manage this condition if you are experiencing symptoms. It is always best to speak with a medical professional if you think something is wrong. Those suffering from severe acid reflux disease could even be prescribed medication to help treat the pain and discomfort.
Symptoms
If you are suffering from any of the following symptoms, you could be experiencing acid reflux disease (GERD):
- Chest pain or a burning sensation after eating or consuming specific foods or beverages
- Persistent burping
- Discomfort in the abdominal area
- Dry mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Regurgitation of food or stomach contents
The symptoms of GERD can be disruptive to your life. If you are suffering, you may want to consider your treatment options. If you are prescribed medicine, only a professional should help you determine what the safest acid reflux medicine is in your specific situation.
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Treatment Options
A doctor or medical specialist should oversee the treatment of GERD. Treatment for this condition generally encompasses a change in lifestyle, prescription of medication, or a combination of both.
Lifestyle modifications could include limiting smoking, drinking, or other behaviors conducive to acid reflux disease, as well as dietary changes. If this is ineffective, your doctor may decide to prescribe medication.
Common types of medications used to treat acid reflux disease are available both over the counter and through a prescription. Over-the-counter medicines, like antacids, can be found at a pharmacy and are available to the general public.
More aggressive medications could require a prescription. While many people suffering from acid reflux disease have a great deal of success managing this condition with medications, sometimes medications have unwanted side effects. One medication, ranitidine, was even recalled by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration because it potentially can cause cancer in humans.
Due to these recalls, patients may want or need safer acid reflux medicine. While some patients may find that over-the-counter medicines like Pepto-Bismol, Prilosec OTC, or Tums help relieve symptoms of GERD, others may want to go for a prescription medication like:
- Calmicid
- Tagamet HB
- Nexium
- Prevacid 24HR.
These and other medications work differently to relieve or reduce the symptoms of acid reflux, but the side effects of medications will vary based on drug class and on the individual taking the medicine. What works for one person may not suit another, so anyone looking for a safer alternative should speak with their doctor about switching acid reflux medications.
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Ranitidine
Ranitidine is a common drug prescribed to those who are diagnosed with acid reflux disease and is commercially known as Zantac. As of 2020, the FDA recalled Zantac due to the presence of a potentially harmful chemical compound known as NDMA. NDMA can be toxic to human beings and some studies suggest it can cause cancer.
If you or a loved one were exposed to NDMA through Zantac or by another means, you should seek medical attention. It is also important to understand your legal options. If your medication was improperly stored or prescribed, or if your condition was not diagnosed accurately, you may be able to take legal action and pursue compensation for your exposure to a potentially harmful chemical compound.
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Getting Help
If you or someone you love were prescribed potentially dangerous medication, such as ranitidine, for your acid reflux disease, you may be able to take legal action. Taking ranitidine can be dangerous and have long-term effects on your health. In some cases, those who were prescribed ranitidine may be eligible for financial compensation. If you are interested in learning more about your legal options, Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is available for a free consultation to discuss your case in detail. Call (800) 635-1144 to speak with a team member today.
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