Heartburn medicine, such as aluminum hydroxide or omeprazole, help relieve common symptoms of heartburn, including a burning sensation in the stomach that may rise to the throat, indigestion, a feeling of fullness, or frequent burping. These heartburn medicines work by reducing stomach acid production or by neutralizing excess acid in the stomach.
It is important to use these medicines only as directed by a primary care provider or gastroenterologist. Ongoing heartburn may indicate more serious conditions, such as gastritis or stomach ulcers, and treatment must be tailored to the specific diagnosis.
In addition to taking heartburn medicine, following a diet that helps prevent symptoms is also important. This includes choosing lighter meals and avoiding ultra-processed foods, foods high in fat, and heavy sauces.
Common medications
Heartburn medicine that is frequently recommended by healthcare providers includes:
1. Sodium bicarbonate
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is an antacid that rapidly neutralizes stomach acid, providing temporary relief from heartburn or a burning sensation in the stomach caused by indigestion, gastritis, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
This antacid should be dissolved in water. A commonly used dose is ¼ teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate powder in a glass of filtered water, taken about 30 minutes before a meal.
Sodium bicarbonate should not be used more than three times per day or for longer than two weeks. Excessive use may cause acid rebound, a condition in which the stomach increases acid production after acidity is reduced, potentially worsening heartburn symptoms.
This medicine should not be used by children under 2 years old, people who are pregnant women, or those with metabolic alkalosis, frequent vomiting, or intestinal obstruction.
2. Sodium bicarbonate plus citric acid
Effervescent antacids that contain sodium bicarbonate and citric acid are used to relieve heartburn or a burning sensation in the stomach caused by indigestion. They work by neutralizing stomach acid and usually provide rapid symptom relief.
These antacids are available over the counter under brand names such as Alka-Seltzer and should not be used for more than 14 consecutive days.
Because of their sodium content, they are not recommended for children under 12 years old, people who are pregnant, or people with high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease, or kidney disease.
3. Aluminum hydroxide
Aluminum hydroxide is an antacid that quickly neutralizes stomach acidity, helping reduce irritation of the stomach lining and temporarily relieve heartburn discomfort.
Aluminum hydroxide is commonly combined with magnesium hydroxide and sometimes simethicone, and is found in products such as Maalox or Mylanta. These heartburn medicines are not recommended for children or pregnant people unless advised by a healthcare provider.
4. Magnesium hydroxide
Magnesium hydroxide is another antacid that helps reduce stomach acidity and relieve heartburn, burning sensations, and stomach pain caused by indigestion.
It is available as an oral suspension known as Milk of Magnesia, under brand names such as Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia. This heartburn medicine should not be used by children under 2 years old, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or people with kidney disease or allergies to any of its components.
5. Omeprazole
Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to treat stomach ulcers, reflux esophagitis, gastritis, and GERD. It works by reducing acid production in the stomach, helping relieve heartburn and burning sensations.
Omeprazole is available as a generic medication and under brand names such as Prilosec. It should be used only under medical guidance, as the dose and duration of treatment vary depending on the condition being treated.
Omeprazole should not be used by children, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or people with severe liver disease or known allergies to its ingredients, unless specifically prescribed.
6. Pantoprazole
Pantoprazole is another proton pump inhibitor that may be prescribed to treat heartburn caused by gastritis, GERD, reflux esophagitis, stomach ulcers, or Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
It is available as the generic medication pantoprazole sodium and under brand names such as Protonix. It should not be used by children under 5 years old, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or people undergoing treatment for HIV without medical supervision.
Other proton pump inhibitors that may be prescribed include lansoprazole or esomeprazole.
7. Famotidine
Famotidine is an H2 receptor blocker that helps reduce stomach acid production by limiting the action of histamine. It is commonly used to relieve heartburn, burning sensations, and acid-related discomfort caused by indigestion, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach ulcers, or duodenal ulcers.
Famotidine is widely available as a generic medication and under brand names such as Pepcid. It may be used under medical guidance or, in lower doses, as an over-the-counter heartburn medicine for short-term symptom relief.
Famotidine should not be used by children under 1 year old, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or people with kidney disease unless advised by a healthcare provider. Dose adjustments may be necessary in individuals with impaired kidney function.
Home remedies
Some home remedies, such as ginger tea or fennel tea, may help relieve mild heartburn symptoms by reducing acidity and protecting the stomach lining. These teas can be consumed warm or cool when early symptoms such as throat burning or indigestion appear. Check out more home remedies for heartburn.
Home remedies do not replace heartburn medicine prescribed by a doctor, but they may be used as supportive measures alongside medical treatment.
Dietary strategies, such as eating smaller meals and avoiding trigger foods, are also important for symptom control.
During pregnancy
Heartburn is very common during pregnancy due to slower digestion and increased abdominal pressure, which can cause a feeling of fullness and burning. The best way to manage heartburn during pregnancy is prevention, including avoiding fried foods, fatty meals, and heavily seasoned foods.
When heartburn becomes frequent, pregnant women should consult their OBGYN or midwife before using any heartburn medicine. Certain antacids, such as calcium carbonate-based products (for example, Tums) or aluminum and magnesium hydroxide combinations (such as Mylanta), may be recommended when considered safe.
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