What should you know about Over the Counter antacids and acid reducers? Over the Counter or OTC antacids are medications that you can get without a prescription. Acid reducers are H2 blockers or medications that can control, decrease the intensity and frequency of heartburn and other problems associated with acid reflux. Acid reducers are available by prescription but recently have come out with some of over the counter medications that help also.

Over the counter antacids work to neutralize the acid in the stomach. They provide short term, but fast relief of heartburn. There are several products on the shelf that can help in reducing the amount of acid that causes heartburn. There are several kinds of antacids out there to help. There are pill form, the chew form and the liquid form. They are work in the same way.

Acid reducers reduce the amount of acid that your stomach makes. They do not reduce the symptoms right away, but they do last longer for longer period of time than antacids. There are other medications known as proton pump inhibitors. The ones known as proton pump inhibitors actually stop the body's production of acid. The symptoms are relieved right away and the relief is for at least twenty four hours or longer. Some products known to do this are Nexium, Prilosec, Pepcid and several others.

These medications can help in relieving the symptoms of heartburn or other stomach related problems. They can be also used with other medications, such as antibiotics, prescribed by your doctor.

There are some minor side effects associated with these medications but they are rarely harmful. Some of the side effects maybe headaches, nausea, constipation or diarrhea. If you experience any other side effects or problems, then talk to your doctor. The doctor may be able to prescribe some other medication that may help you better.

If you have allergies to some of the ingredients that are in the medications, then do not take them. If you have kidney disease or anything remotely wrong with your kidneys, do not take them. Always talk to your doctor first before taking any medications that might be harmful to you. Don't take more than one antacid or acid reducer at a time. Always talk to your doctor before starting a new medication so he or she will know if they have to help you in case of trouble.

I have first hand experience with antacids and acid reducers. Since I was a teenager, I have taken one form or another of the medications for a hiatal hernia. I have taken Zantac for years before I asked the doctor for something that will help him better. I now take Prilosec and that seems to help me better than Zantac ever did. Sometimes, I make the mistake of overeating and than I do have some problems, but with Prilosec, I can sleep through the night with no feeling of heartburn or a burning sensation. I am happy to say that Prilosec works better for me than Zantac ever did.

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