What is Acid Reflux ?
Acid reflux is when the stomach, including acid, flows backwards into the oesophagus. Common symptoms of acid reflux include heartburn, a sour taste in the mouth, and difficulty swallowing. Other symptoms of acid reflux include regurgitation, bloating, nausea, and difficulty swallowing. While the common treatment includes lifestyle changes, doctors may recommend avoiding certain foods and activities that trigger symptoms.
On the other hand, generic medicines are available to treat acid reflux. This includes antacids, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and H2 blockers, which may reduce the production of stomach acid and relieve symptoms. Moreover, doctors may recommend surgery if left untreated for a long time in more severe cases.
While many medications are available to treat acid reflux, several generic medications are also used to treat this condition.
Generic drugs for acid reflux
Let us get into the basics of generic medications. In that case, these are drugs identical to their brand-name counterparts in dosage, safety, strength, quality, performance, and intended use, but they are usually much more cost-effective. The active ingredient in a generic drug is the same as the active ingredient in its brand-name counterpart, and it will have the same effects and side effects as the brand-name drug. Generic medicines for acid reflux are often used to treat the condition’s symptoms.
These can include antacids, which contain compounds such as calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide that neutralize stomach acid; H2 blockers, which reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach; and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which block the action of acid-producing enzymes. Generic antacids are available in liquid or tablet forms and are used to treat mild cases of acid reflux.
They work quickly, but their effects only last for a few hours. H2 blockers are available in tablet or injection form and are used to treat severe cases of acid reflux. They reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach and can provide relief for up to 24 hours. PPIs are available in tablet form and are used to treat severe cases of acid reflux. They work by blocking the action of acid-producing enzymes and can provide relief for up to 24 hours.
Generic medicines for acid reflux are often a more cost-effective option than their brand-name counterparts. They may cost up to 80% less than brand-name drugs, and they are just as effective in treating the symptoms of acid reflux. Additionally, generic drugs are subject to the same safety standards as their brand-name counterparts, so they can provide the same level of relief without the added cost.
Let’s explore some of the key generics that are useful in treating acid reflux symptoms.
1) Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are one of the most commonly used generic medications for acid reflux. PPIs reduce the amount of stomach acid produced by blocking certain enzymes in the stomach wall. Commonly used PPIs include omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex), pantoprazole (Protonix), and esomeprazole (Nexium).
2) H2-Blockers
H2-Blockers are another type of generic medication for acid reflux. These drugs work by blocking histamine receptors in the stomach wall, which reduces the amount of stomach acid produced. Commonly used H2-blockers include cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), nizatidine (Axid), and ranitidine (Zantac).
3) Antacids
Antacids are another type of generic medication used to treat acid reflux. These drugs work by neutralizing excess stomach acid, thus providing relief from symptoms such as heartburn and indigestion. Commonly used antacids include aluminium hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide combination products (Maalox and Mylanta) and calcium carbonate products (Tums).
4) Prokinetics
Prokinetics is another group of generic medications that can treat acid reflux. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) may be strengthened with Prokinetics. This also has the added benefit of speeding up the stomach emptying process. This can lower the time for acid reflux to take place. Commonly used prokinetics include metoclopramide hydrochloride (Reglan) and domperidone maleate (Motilium).
Conclusion
Generic medicines for acid reflux can effectively treat the symptoms without spending a lot of money. They are just as safe and effective as their brand-name counterparts and can provide relief for up to 24 hours. Consider talking to your doctor about available generic medications if you want an affordable way to treat your acid reflux.
In addition to these generic medications, some people with severe or chronic cases of acid reflux may also be prescribed promotility agents such as cisapride or mosapride citrate to help improve digestive motility and reduce symptoms related to GERD. However, these drugs are not available in generic form in many countries due to safety concerns related to their long-term use.
If you think you may be suffering from acid reflux or GERD, you must speak with your doctor about treatment options before taking any medications for your condition. Your doctor can help you choose a treatment plan that is right for you based on your medical history, current health status, and other factors.
Medkart is a great option for those purchasing generic acid reflux medicines. You can visit any OF THE 100+ Medkart Pharmacy store that offers WHO-GMP approved and cost-effective acid reflux medicines. Also, you can visit medkart.in to search for medicines, compare prices, and order generic medicines online in India. Alternatively, you can download both — Android application and iOS applications (whichever is applicable) to order medicines on the go.
