Medicines

There are several types of medicine available for the treatment of reflux esophagitis, the most effective of which are the proton pump inhibitors. Treatment is intended to reduce reflux, thereby preventing damage to the esophagus.

Proton pump inhibitors

Proton pump inhibitors are a group of medicines that includes esomeprazole, omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole and rabeprazole.

• Proton pump inhibitors provide rapid relief from the symptoms of reflux esophagitis.
  
  
• These medications block the action of the stomach’s proton pump, which pumps hydrogen ions into the stomach, making the stomach acidic. Proton pump inhibitors will, therefore, reduce the acidity of the stomach.
  
  
• They also reduce the acidity of the stomach contents leaking into the esophagus, which reduces the incidence of heartburn.
  
  
• Proton pump inhibitors are available from your doctor on prescription, and in some countries, can be bought over the counter.
  

Histamine2-receptor antagonists

Histamine2-receptor antagonists are a group of medicines that includes cimetidine, ranitidine and nizatidine.

These medicines work by stopping (blocking) the action of histamine (a chemical released by the stomach). The presence of histamine in the stomach, results in the release of hydrogen ions into the stomach, making the stomach contents more acidic.
Many histamine2-receptor antagonists can be bought over the counter at low doses but a doctor’s prescription is needed for higher doses.

Prokinetic drugs

Prokinetic drugs are a group of medicines that includes metoclopramide, domperidone and bethanechol. They act by strengthening the LES so there is less acid reflux, and by reducing the time that food stays in the stomach.