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Suggest OTC Drugs For Stomach Acidity
Question: I switched from protonix DR 40MG 1/day to pepcid 20MG 2/day due to concerns about taking protonix. It works sort of but not nearlly as well as the protonix did and I don't want to start taking lots of antacids. I noticed that there are several other OTC acid reducers that contain medicine other than famotidine. Would any of them work better for me than the pepcid?
Thanks XXXXXXX
Thanks XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
not many choices
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
you haven't mentioned the reason you're taking drugs against stomach acidity. Do you have peptic ulcer or reflux for example?
Protonix is a better drug than famotidine for most patients. Protonix is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) which means that it's the first option for acid reduction. Other PPIs are equally effective. Omeprazole, esomeprazole, rabeprazole and lansoprazole are good examples.
Pepcid (famotidine) works differently. It belongs to a drug class coming from the past. It's not as potent or effective as any PPI and that's why no gastroenterologist will prescribe it as the first option in patients with ulcers or reflux. It's a good drug though and if you can't take a PPI, it's a good alternative.
The other antacids (like Maalox for example) are not meant to be used for long. They can be used for short term, in case the symptoms can't be contained with regular treatment or when the patient cannot take a PPI or drugs like pepcid.
Misoprostole belongs to another drug class but it's not very commonly used. It's main gastroenterologic use is for prophylaxis in patients taking NSAIDs.
So in conclusion, I believe that drugs like protonix and pepcid are the best options for you and you should stick to them (one of them), unless side effects occur.
I hope it helps!
Kind Regards!
not many choices
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
you haven't mentioned the reason you're taking drugs against stomach acidity. Do you have peptic ulcer or reflux for example?
Protonix is a better drug than famotidine for most patients. Protonix is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) which means that it's the first option for acid reduction. Other PPIs are equally effective. Omeprazole, esomeprazole, rabeprazole and lansoprazole are good examples.
Pepcid (famotidine) works differently. It belongs to a drug class coming from the past. It's not as potent or effective as any PPI and that's why no gastroenterologist will prescribe it as the first option in patients with ulcers or reflux. It's a good drug though and if you can't take a PPI, it's a good alternative.
The other antacids (like Maalox for example) are not meant to be used for long. They can be used for short term, in case the symptoms can't be contained with regular treatment or when the patient cannot take a PPI or drugs like pepcid.
Misoprostole belongs to another drug class but it's not very commonly used. It's main gastroenterologic use is for prophylaxis in patients taking NSAIDs.
So in conclusion, I believe that drugs like protonix and pepcid are the best options for you and you should stick to them (one of them), unless side effects occur.
I hope it helps!
Kind Regards!
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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