{"id":55154,"date":"2022-11-15T09:30:19","date_gmt":"2022-11-15T14:30:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=55154"},"modified":"2025-11-24T19:44:05","modified_gmt":"2025-11-25T00:44:05","slug":"best-heartburn-medicine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/best-heartburn-medicine\/","title":{"rendered":"What\u2019s the best heartburn medicine for you?"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you’re one of the <\/span>60 million Americans<\/span> that experience heartburn and indigestion every month, you may find yourself searching for relief and wondering what the best heartburn medicine is. With so many options on the market, it can be hard to know where to start.<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether you’re looking for an over-the-counter heartburn medicine or something a little stronger, it’s important that you find something that works for you because heartburn can be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux. Gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD, is a health condition that can cause damage to the esophagus over time if left untreated. Here’s a look at some of the most common heartburn medicines and how to choose the best one for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>12 home remedies for heartburn<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

What is the best medicine for heartburn?<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are <\/span>three main categories<\/span> of heartburn medicines:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Antacids<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. H2 blockers<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    When choosing a heartburn medicine, it’s important to consider what type of heartburn you’re experiencing as well as the severity. If you’re someone who only experiences heartburn occasionally, an over-the-counter antacid may be all you need. However, if you find that heartburn is a regular occurrence, you may want to consider something stronger, like an H2 blocker or a PPI, which are available over the counter or as prescription medication.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u201cAll three of these medication types are considered safe for short-term use\u2014as long as you stick within the recommended dosing on the bottle,\u201d explains Max Pitman, MD, a medical director at <\/span>Salvo Health<\/span><\/a> and board-certified physician specializing in gastroenterology and internal medicine at Summit Health in Brooklyn, New York. \u201cFor longer-term use, it\u2019s best to discuss with your healthcare provider, since certain medication types\u2014especially the PPIs\u2014have a risk of side effects with extended use.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

    1. Antacids<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Antacids<\/span><\/a> are the fastest-acting heartburn medicine available and are often the first line of defense against heartburn. They work by neutralizing the acid in your stomach and can provide nearly immediate relief. However, Dr. Pitman warns that the effect of antacids is short-lived because the stomach is constantly making more acid.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Antacids are available over the counter and can be purchased in a variety of forms, including liquids, chewable tablets, and gummies. Some of the most common types of antacids include:<\/span><\/p>\n