How to get rid of heartburn with medication?

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month, but effective medication can bring relief. Understanding the different types of medication is key to knowing how to get rid of heartburn with medication, whether you need fast, temporary relief or a longer-term solution for frequent symptoms.

Quick Summary

A review of medication types, including over-the-counter and prescription options, for treating heartburn and acid reflux. Covers antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors, detailing their mechanisms and appropriate uses.

Key Points

Antacids for Fast Relief: For occasional, mild heartburn, over-the-counter antacids like Tums and Rolaids provide rapid, short-term relief by neutralizing stomach acid.
H2 Blockers for Longer-Lasting Relief: If you need longer relief for more frequent heartburn, H2 blockers such as famotidine reduce acid production for several hours.
PPIs for Chronic Symptoms: For frequent heartburn (more than twice a week) or GERD, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) offer the most powerful, long-lasting acid reduction, though they take longer to start working.
Consider Lifestyle Changes: Modifying your diet, eating smaller meals, and avoiding lying down after eating can significantly help manage and prevent heartburn symptoms.
Know When to See a Doctor: Persistent or severe heartburn, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained weight loss warrant a medical evaluation to rule out more serious conditions.
Be Mindful of Medication Use: Always follow dosage instructions and be aware of potential side effects, especially with prolonged use of certain medications like PPIs.

How to Choose the Right Heartburn Medication

Dealing with the burning sensation of heartburn can be uncomfortable and disruptive. Fortunately, a variety of medications are available to help. The right choice depends on the frequency and severity of your symptoms, as well as whether you are seeking quick relief for occasional episodes or a longer-term solution for frequent or chronic heartburn.

Understanding the Types of Heartburn Medication

Medications for heartburn are broadly categorized into three main types, each working differently to combat excess stomach acid:

Antacids: These are the fastest-acting option, working within minutes to neutralize the stomach acid already present. They are best for occasional, mild heartburn and are available over-the-counter (OTC) in various forms like chewable tablets, liquids, and gummies. Common examples include Tums (calcium carbonate) and Rolaids (calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide).
Histamine-2 (H2) Blockers: These medications work by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces. While they take longer to work than antacids (30 to 90 minutes), they provide longer-lasting relief, often for several hours. Some H2 blockers are available OTC, such as famotidine (Pepcid AC), while higher-strength versions may require a prescription.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): As the most powerful class of acid reducers, PPIs work by blocking the proton pumps that produce stomach acid. They are most effective for frequent heartburn, defined as occurring two or more days per week. PPIs do not provide immediate relief and may take one to four days for their full effect to be felt. Both OTC and prescription-strength PPIs are available, including omeprazole (Prilosec OTC) and lansoprazole (Prevacid 24HR).

Over-the-Counter vs. Prescription Options

Determining whether you need an OTC or prescription medication hinges on the nature of your heartburn. Mild, infrequent heartburn can often be managed with OTC solutions, but more persistent issues may require a doctor's evaluation and a prescription.

OTC Considerations:

For occasional use: Antacids are the go-to for rapid relief after a trigger meal.
For frequent heartburn: OTC H2 blockers and PPIs are available for short-term courses (typically 14 days) to treat more frequent symptoms, but long-term or repeated use should be discussed with a doctor.

Prescription Considerations:

For severe or chronic GERD: If OTC treatments are insufficient or if you have severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a healthcare provider may prescribe higher-dose H2 blockers or PPIs.
Emerging options: Newer classes of medication, such as potassium-competitive acid blockers (PCABs) like vonoprazan, are also available by prescription for severe GERD.
Promotility agents: These medications, such as metoclopramide (Reglan), strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter and help the stomach empty faster, but can have significant side effects.

Comparison of Heartburn Medications


Feature	Antacids	H2 Blockers	PPIs
Speed of Relief	Fast (minutes)	Medium (30-90 minutes)	Slow (1-4 days)
Duration of Effect	Short (up to 1 hour)	Medium (several hours)	Long (up to 24 hours)
Mechanism	Neutralizes existing acid	Reduces acid production	Blocks acid production
Best For	Occasional, mild heartburn	Short-term or frequent heartburn	Frequent heartburn, GERD
Availability	OTC	OTC & Prescription	OTC & Prescription
Side Effects	Constipation (aluminum), diarrhea (magnesium)	Headache, diarrhea, constipation	Headache, nausea, diarrhea, gas

Important Considerations and When to See a Doctor

While medication is highly effective, it's crucial to use it safely and correctly. Always read product labels for dosage and duration instructions.

Lifestyle Modifications: In addition to medication, certain lifestyle changes can help prevent heartburn:

Identify and avoid trigger foods: These can include spicy, fatty, or acidic foods, as well as coffee, alcohol, and carbonated beverages.
Eat smaller, more frequent meals: This prevents the stomach from becoming too full, reducing pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter.
Avoid lying down after eating: Stay upright for at least 2-3 hours after a meal to let gravity assist with digestion.
Elevate your head while sleeping: Using a wedge pillow can help prevent nighttime acid reflux.
Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can increase pressure on your abdomen.

When to Seek Medical Attention: It is important to consult a healthcare professional if:

Heartburn occurs more than twice a week.
Symptoms persist despite using OTC medicines.
You have difficulty swallowing, persistent nausea, or unexplained weight loss.
You experience severe chest pain, especially with pain in the arm or jaw, or shortness of breath, as this could indicate a more serious condition like a heart attack.
Long-term use of certain medications is required, as this can lead to potential side effects, such as a possible increased risk of bone fractures with prolonged PPI use.

Conclusion

Medication offers a reliable path to relief for those suffering from heartburn. From immediate, short-term relief with antacids to the prolonged effect of H2 blockers and powerful, long-lasting relief from PPIs, a suitable option exists for most cases. The key is to choose the right type of medication based on your symptoms and use it correctly while also considering supporting lifestyle adjustments. If you experience frequent or severe heartburn, a consultation with a healthcare provider is the best step to ensure an accurate diagnosis and the most effective treatment plan, avoiding potential long-term complications and ensuring your comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

For immediate relief from heartburn, antacids like Tums, Rolaids, or Mylanta are the best option. They work quickly by neutralizing stomach acid to provide relief within minutes, but the effect is short-lived.

Yes, it is generally safe to take an H2 blocker and an antacid together for complementary relief. The antacid provides fast relief, while the H2 blocker provides longer-lasting acid reduction. Some products, like Pepcid Complete, combine both ingredients.

Over-the-counter proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are typically intended for a 14-day course of treatment and should not be used more than three times per year unless directed by a doctor. Prolonged use without medical supervision may carry risks and can mask more serious conditions.

You should see a doctor if your heartburn occurs more than twice a week, if symptoms persist after using nonprescription medicines, or if you experience severe symptoms like difficulty swallowing, persistent nausea, or weight loss. Severe chest pain should be medically evaluated immediately.

It depends on your condition. Mild, occasional heartburn can be treated with OTC antacids, H2 blockers, or PPIs. However, if your heartburn is severe, frequent, or persistent, a doctor may prescribe stronger doses or a different class of medication.

Yes, many lifestyle changes can significantly reduce heartburn symptoms and potentially decrease your reliance on medication. These include avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, not lying down after eating, and managing weight.

H2 blockers and PPIs both reduce stomach acid but work differently and have different time frames. H2 blockers provide faster relief (30-90 minutes) with medium duration, while PPIs provide longer, more powerful relief (1-4 days for full effect) and are better for frequent or chronic heartburn.