Acid Reflux(Heartburn)
Over the counter relief options
Heartburn relief is available OTC!
Heartburn is a digestive condition caused by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus which irritates the lining of the esophagus and creates a burning or sour sensation in the chest or throat.
Symptoms often appear after eating large or spicy meals, lying down too soon after eating, or consuming trigger foods such as caffeine, chocolate, citrus, or fatty foods.
Symptoms of acid reflux can include burning chest pain, regurgitation of sour or bitter fluid, difficulty swallowing, chronic cough, hoarseness, or throat irritation. Discomfort may worsen at night or when bending over.
How to control heartburn symptoms
OTC heartburn treatments work in different ways depending on symptom severity. Antacids provide fast, short-term relief by neutralizing stomach acid and are best for occasional heartburn. Acid reducers (H2 blockers) decrease acid production and offer longer-lasting relief, making them helpful for recurring symptoms. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)are used for frequent or persistent heartburn and work by significantly reducing acid production over time.
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Pharmacist-recommended products​​
The following are the recommended products for dry cough relief with convenient Amazon links, if your opt to purchase through, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.
Rolaids® (Calcium + Magnesium)
Mylanta® (Aluminum + Magnesium+ Simethicone)
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Pro tips and selection criteria​
Choosing the right product is based on symptoms, age and other factors that you need to consider to achieve the best relief results.​​
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Tums® (Calcium Carbonate)
A fast-acting, chewable antacid that neutralizes stomach acid on contact, providing quick, short-term relief from mild heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach.
Tip: Best for occasional flare-ups, especially after meals or trigger foods, rather than frequent or ongoing symptoms. Constipation may occur with regular or frequent use.
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Rolaids® (Calcium Carbonate + Magnesium Hydroxide)
Works similarly to calcium-based antacids by neutralizing stomach acid, but the added magnesium hydroxide helps provide a longer-lasting effect.
Tip: It is a good option for episodic heartburn and may have a lower risk of constipation compared with calcium-only products.
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Mylanta® (Aluminum Hydroxide + Magnesium Hydroxide + Simethicone)
Works similarly to calcium-based antacids by neutralizing stomach acid, but the added magnesium hydroxide helps provide a longer-lasting effect. Simethicone helps relieve gas and bloating by breaking up gas bubbles in the stomach.
Tip: Fast-acting option for heartburn associated with gas and bloating, especially when symptoms include pressure or fullness.
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Pepcid® (Famotidine)
An H2 blocker that reduces stomach acid production, typically beginning to work within 30–60 minutes and lasting up to 12 hours. It is useful for mild to moderate heartburn and can also be taken preventively before eating foods known to trigger symptoms.
Tip: effective for recurrent heartburn and works best when used once to twice daily on a regular basis to maintain symptom control.
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Tagamet HB® (Cimetidine)
Similar to Pepcid® in its acid-reducing action, Tagamet® lowers stomach acid and can be effective for prevention and relief of mild heartburn. However, it is more prone to drug interactions, especially with certain prescription medications.
Tip: Use with pharmacist or healthcare provider guidance, particularly if you take prescription or multiple OTC medications.
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Prilosec OTC® (Omeprazole)
A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that provides 24-hour acid control when taken once daily (30-60 minutes before breakfast). It is best for frequent heartburn (occurring two or more days per week). This medication is not intended for immediate relief, as it may take 1–4 days of consistent use to become fully effective.
Tip: Use daily for the full course as directed. Not recommended for long-term or continuous use unless advised by a healthcare provider.
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Prevacid 24HR® (Lansoprazole)
A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that provides 24-hour acid suppression when taken once daily (30-60 minutes before breakfast). It is effective for preventing recurring heartburn and acid reflux symptoms.
Tip: Intended for frequent heartburn rather than quick relief, and not recommended for long-term continuous useunless directed by a healthcare provider.
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Nexium 24HR® (Esomeprazole)
A slightly more potent proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces stomach acid by blocking the final step of acid production. When taken once daily, it provides up to 24 hours of acid suppression, used once daily with maximum benefit typically requires several days of continuous use.
Tip: Intended for frequent or persistent heartburn (2 or more days per week) and not for immediate, as-needed relief; it works best when taken daily, and fast relief should not be expected from a single dose.
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Which One Should You Choose?
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Fastest relief (as needed): Choose Tums® or Rolaids®. These antacids neutralize acid on contact and work within minutes—ideal for sudden heartburn after trigger foods.
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Heartburn with gas or bloating: Choose Mylanta®, which includes simethicone to relieve pressure and fullnessalong with acid discomfort.
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Short-term prevention or predictable triggers: Use Pepcid® or Tagamet HB®. These shorter-acting acid reducers start working within 30–60 minutes and may require once to twice daily dosing for symptom control. Use Tagamet HB® with caution if you take other medications due to drug interaction potential.
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Frequent heartburn (2+ days per week): Choose a daily PPI such as Prilosec OTC®, Prevacid 24HR®, or Nexium 24HR®. These are taken once daily and provide 24-hour acid suppression, but they are not for immediate relief.
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Morning or nighttime reflux: A daily PPI can be especially helpful because it controls acid around the clock.
Seek medical care if heartburn is persistent, occurs with difficulty swallowing, or is accompanied by vomiting blood or black stools.
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