Ranking the best heartburn remedies in 2022

According to statistics, more than half of the adult population of the country suffers from heartburn. Everyone can face this ailment: quick snacks in dry food, a plentiful feast or a hearty dinner eaten at night can provoke single bouts of this unpleasant ailment. However, ingrained bad habits, the lack of a diet can lead to various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and make heartburn a constant companion of life, which greatly reduces the quality of human life.

What is heartburn and what causes it

Heartburn, or, as gastroenterologists call it, gastroesophageal reflux, manifests itself in the form of discomfort or a burning sensation behind the sternum that rises from the epigastrium (pit of the stomach). Burning in the esophagus is due to irritation of its mucous membrane. Let's figure out how and why this burning sensation occurs. As you know, the human stomach is normally acidic due to the production of hydrochloric acid. The acidity of the gastric juice is necessary for the normal digestion of food. At the same time, the walls of the stomach have a special protective mechanism that protects them from the corrosive effects of acid. In the esophagus, the environment is close to neutral, and its walls cannot protect themselves from the aggressive action of gastric juice and other acidic effects. The stomach and esophagus are separated by a sphincter (circular muscle) that prevents digested food from entering the esophagus. In cases where the sphincter is weakened, the acid contents of the stomach rise into the esophagus and begin to corrode its walls, thereby causing a burning sensation and pain behind the sternum.

In most cases, heartburn appears 15-30 minutes after eating, which causes considerable discomfort and, if repeated frequently, significantly reduces the quality of life. Consider the main causes of this disease:

• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Most often, burning in the pit of the stomach is only a manifestation of more serious diseases. Among them: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is caused by insufficiency of the esophageal sphincter; gastritis (with high acidity); stomach ulcer; cholecystitis; cholelithiasis.

• improper nutrition.

Banal, but very common cause of heartburn.Lack of regimen, overeating, quick dry snacks, fatty, spicy, fried foods, caffeinated drinks, pastries - all this can cause a burning sensation in the pit of the stomach even in people who do not suffer from gastrointestinal diseases.

• taking medications.

Some drugs can cause a burning sensation. Most often, these are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, etc.), as well as antihypertensive drugs (captopril, enalapril, quinapril, indapamide, furosemide, valsartan, etc.).

• lack of a healthy lifestyle.

Bad habits, excess weight, and chronic stress can affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract as a whole and manifest itself in the occurrence of reflux.

• pregnancy.

Most pregnant women suffer from heartburn, which occurs as a result of increased intra-abdominal pressure.

As you can see, the cause of heartburn can be both a hastily eaten bun and serious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Single and rare burning attacks do not require a visit to a specialist and disappear with a change in diet and lifestyle, as well as with a single intake of express remedies. When reflux becomes a constant companion of a person, and a burning sensation is felt after each meal, it is necessary to contact a gastroenterologist to identify its true cause. In this case, it may be a symptom of a more serious problem of the gastrointestinal tract and removing only unpleasant sensations will not be enough, complex treatment of the underlying disease is necessary.

Without going into the complexity of diagnosis and the subtleties of drug therapy available to specialists, we will consider the main types of drugs that help fight the unpleasant manifestations of reflux.

Types of drugs for heartburn

As mentioned earlier, heartburn can be the result of malnutrition, a symptom of a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, ulcer), or a more serious and extensive disease of the digestive system. Depending on the cause of the burning sensation, different drugs are prescribed with a different mechanism of action.

There are 5 types of drugs for reflux: antacids, alginates and gastroprotectors - with a mild form with a rare manifestation, antisecretory drugs and motility stimulants - with a severe form of reflux with frequently recurring attacks.

More about each of them:

• Antacids.

They are used to eliminate rare manifestations of burning sensation as express remedies, as well as to relieve unpleasant symptoms of acid-dependent diseases (gastritis, ulcers, GERD).

There are two categories of antacids - absorbable and non-absorbable.

Preparations of the first category as active substances contain compounds of magnesium, calcium, sodium. Their action is to quickly reduce the acidity of gastric juice by neutralizing the acid. Examples of antacid absorbable agents are Rennie, Vikalin, Vikair. They act quickly, removing all the discomfort, and this has won the trust of customers. But with frequent use, they can cause nausea, headache, weakness.

Note that baking soda is also an absorbable antacid. Knowing this, many people suffering from heartburn use it to relieve the burning sensation. However, as practice shows, although soda gives temporary relief, it subsequently causes the so-called "acid rebound", i.e. provokes in the future even more acid production. Therefore, the use of baking soda in the fight against reflux is not recommended.

Non-absorbable antacids contain magnesium and aluminum compounds. They do not neutralize excess acid, but adsorb it. Their action is slower, but at the same time they give a longer effect. Also, non-absorbable antacids are safer, because. do not enter the systemic circulation. Examples of such drugs are Maalox, Almagel, Gastal, Phosphalugel, Gastracid, Rutacid. Long-term or uncontrolled intake of these drugs can cause diarrhea or, conversely, constipation.

• Alginates.

They are used for GERD, as well as heartburn, which is provoked by causes other than gastrointestinal diseases.

Alginates are high-molecular polysaccharides, which, when interacting with gastric juice, form a protective film on the walls of the stomach and esophagus. Thus, they protect them from the corrosive effects of hydrochloric acid and the occurrence of reflux. The main components of these funds are compounds of alginic acid with calcium and sodium. Alginates act quite quickly - after 5-7 minutes relief comes. Side effects were practically not observed. Examples are Gaviscon, Laminal.

• Gastroprotectors.

Preparations of this group are used for acid-dependent diseases of the stomach, functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Their action is to restore the damaged gastric mucosa and protect it from the aggressive effects of hydrochloric acid and other damaging factors (excess food, poorly chewed food, alcohol, etc.). There are film-forming (Venter, De-Nol, Ulcavis, Escape), non-film-forming gastroprotectors (Biogastron), prostaglandins (Misoprostol). Each of the subspecies can cause their own side effects, including stool disorders, increased blood pressure, allergies, and disruption of the gastrointestinal tract.

• Antisecretory drugs.

They are used when antacids have been ineffective, with a severe course of the disease, whose symptom was heartburn. Their action is to block the main mechanisms of gastric secretion and, as a result, reduce the amount of hydrochloric acid produced. There are 3 types of antisecretory agents: H2-histamine blockers (Ranitidine), proton pump inhibitors (Omeprazole, Emaner, Nolpaza, Pariet, etc.), M-cholinergic blockers (Gastrocepin). Proton pump inhibitors are recognized as the most popular among doctors and the most effective. However, their use, as well as other antisecretory drugs, is not without side effects. Disorder of the stool, headache, weakness, itching, etc. are more common.

• Motility stimulants (prokinetics).

Prokinetics are agents that increase the activity of the stomach, accelerate the movement of intestinal contents through the digestive tract, and improve the functioning of the gastric sphincter. Thus, they speed up metabolism, improve the muscle tone of the digestive tract, reduce reflux, and have an antiemetic effect. However, prokinetics are practically not prescribed for the treatment of heartburn.

Best Heartburn Remedies

We bring to your attention a rating of the best medicines for heartburn. When compiling it, the following criteria of medical devices were taken into account:

• type of drug (antacid, alginate, etc.);
• composition, and more specifically the main active ingredient;
• therapeutic properties - speed, duration of the therapeutic effect;
• mode of application;
• interaction with other drugs;
• the presence of contraindications;
• the possibility of use in certain categories of persons (pregnant women, children, diabetics, etc.).

Antacids and alginates

Rennie

An antacid containing calcium and magnesium carbonate. It is they who neutralize the action of hydrochloric acid and relieve burning sensation in the pit of the stomach, in the esophagus and throat. Release form - tablets for chewing or resorption. Take 1-2 pieces 4-6 times a day.

The cost of packaging (1 blister of 12 tablets): from 175 rubles.

• is the safest drug for pregnant and lactating among antacids;
• can be given to children over 12 years old;
• pleasant taste (fruity or mint);
• acts quickly - burning sensation recedes after 5-10 minutes;
• convenient packaging - the plate is divided into parts at the seams.

• does not always cope with severe attacks of heartburn.

Vikair

The preparation of complex antacid-alginate action. The main active ingredients are bismuth subnitrate, magnesium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate. The magnesium compound reduces acidity, bismuth subnitrate forms a film on the mucosa, thereby protecting it from irritation by the acidic contents of the stomach. In addition to them, there are rhizomes of calamus and bark of alder buckthorn. The burning sensation subsides 30 minutes after application. A long-term therapeutic effect is possible with a course of treatment with taking 1-2 tablets 3 times a day after meals. Full course up to 2 months.

The cost of packing 10 tablets: from 35 rubles.

• tolerable taste;
• can be used as an express remedy during eating disorders;
• quickly copes with heartburn;
• cheap.

• should not be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• contraindicated in children under 18;
• can cause loose stools.

Rutacid

The active ingredient is hydrotalcite, which contains a small amount of aluminum and magnesium.The layered structure of the active ingredient allows you to reduce the acidity gradually, releasing the right amount of aluminum and magnesium. The drug is actively prescribed for the treatment of gastritis, peptic ulcer, as well as concomitant reflux. It is used to relieve the unpleasant symptoms of heartburn after a hearty feast, drinking alcohol, if the diet is not followed, etc. It is taken after meals in the amount of 0.5-1 tablet. The action is noticeable after 15-20 minutes. It has a full effect with a course application of 3-4 weeks. Available in the form of chewable tablets.

The cost of packaging (2 blisters of 10 tablets): from 165 rubles.

• convenient form of drug release;
• pleasant taste;
• it is not necessary to drink water, which is convenient when you are on the road;
• it is possible to prescribe to pregnant and lactating women;
• can be administered to children over 6 years of age;
• convenient packaging: the blister can be divided into parts at the seams.

• occasionally can provoke diarrhea, flatulence.

Maalox

It is an antacid of combined action: it not only neutralizes acid, but also protects the inner epithelium of the stomach and esophagus from acidic contents. Contains magnesium oxide and aluminum oxide monohydrate. It is used to relieve the symptoms of GERD, gastritis. Available in the form of tablets and suspensions. The drug is taken according to a simple scheme: 1-2 tablets (1 tablespoon of suspension) after meals 3-4 times a day, and also at bedtime. Full course of treatment up to 3 months. The first positive results are noticeable within half an hour after administration.

The cost of a bottle of suspension 250 ml: from 330 rubles, packaging (2 blisters of 10 tablets): from 240 rubles.

• 2 forms of release - suspension and chewable tablets;
• pleasant taste of both tablets and suspensions;
• the medicine is available both with and without sugar;
• long shelf life of the tablet form;
• possible short-term treatment with this drug during pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• may be used as an express remedy to relieve rare attacks of heartburn.

• rare cases of lack of effectiveness.

Gaviscon

This drug is an alginate-antacid, i.e. complex action. This is due to the active ingredients included in the composition. Calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate neutralize the action of hydrochloric acid, and sodium alginate, when interacting with gastric juice, forms a protective film on the walls of the organ. Recommended for GERD. Available in two forms - in the form of chewable tablets and in the form of a suspension. The regimen is the same as that of other antacids - after meals and at bedtime. The tablet preparation is allowed to be given to children over 12 years old, the suspension - after 6 years.

It is worth noting that Gaviscon Forte is also produced with a higher content of sodium alginate, which further protects the walls of the stomach from the effects of hydrochloric acid.

The cost of packaging (24 tablets - 3 plates): from 240 rubles, a bottle of suspension 150 ml: from 260 rubles.

• can be taken during pregnancy;
• effective - relieves burning sensation after 10-15 minutes;
• components are not absorbed into the bloodstream and act only within the gastrointestinal tract;
• Gaviscon Forte does not provoke the formation of gases and its action has a longer effect.

• a sharp mint flavor in the suspension;
• does not always give relief in severe forms of reflux;
• there is no measuring spoon for the suspension;
• may cause increased gas production.

It is important to remember that antacids do not treat the cause of reflux, but only relieve unpleasant symptoms.

Gastroprotectors

De-Nol

The active substance in this medication is bismuth tripotassium dicitrate. It, reacting with the acidic environment of the stomach, forms special compounds in the form of a film that covers the damaged areas of the walls of the stomach. In addition to the protective function, bismuth dicitrate stimulates the growth of the epidermis in places of its damage. Thus, the drug relieves pain in the stomach, characteristic of gastritis and ulcers. As for heartburn, he also copes with it. It is important to note that the drug is prescribed for the complex treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, and not just to relieve symptoms. Scheme of administration: 1-2 tablets 2-4 times a day for half an hour before meals. The course of treatment is 4-8 weeks.

The cost of packing 56 tablets: from 475 rubles.

• not absorbed into the blood and excreted from the body with feces;
• it is possible to prescribe to children over 6 years old;
• with complex treatment copes with gastritis, peptic ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome.

• should not be taken by pregnant and lactating women;
• not used as an express remedy for quick relief from burning and acidity;
• may cause constipation.

Escape is a more budgetary analogue of De-Nol. Its cost is from 270 rubles. per pack of 40 tablets.

Antisecretory agents

Ranitidine

The drug belongs to the group of histamine H2 receptor blockers, i.e. inhibits the production of hydrochloric acid, reduces the amount of gastric juice. Most often prescribed for the treatment of ulcers, GERD, reflux esophagitis. It is taken 1-2 tablets 2-3 times a day. It gives stable positive results after a course of administration lasting from 2 weeks.

The cost of packaging (2 plates of 10 tablets): from 20 rubles.

• the use of the drug is not tied to food intake;
• quickly and effectively copes with heartburn and pain in the stomach;
• long-term effect - a single dose gives up to 12 hours of reduced production of hydrochloric acid;
• cheap.

• not suitable for single use;
• contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation;
• appointment for children is possible only after 14 years.

Omeprazole

The drug belongs to proton pump inhibitors. Its action is to reduce the secretion of gastric juice, reducing its volume. Due to this, acidity decreases, pain and burning sensation in the stomach disappear. Release form - capsules. The regimen is simple - 1-2 capsules in the morning before meals. The course of treatment is up to 4 weeks.

The cost of packaging (30 capsules): from 30 rubles.

• is prescribed for children for the treatment of reflux esophagitis, GERD, but under strict control by the attending physician;
• possible use during pregnancy and lactation;
• effective for heartburn, one capsule is enough for the whole day;
• cheap.

• a large number of possible side effects.

Nolpaza

The agent, the active ingredient in which is pantoprazole. It belongs to the group of proton pump inhibitors - it blocks the production of hydrochloric acid, and also has an antimicrobial effect. Release form - tablets. It is taken 1 tablet per day half an hour before breakfast (on the recommendation of a doctor, 2 doses can be prescribed - before breakfast and before lunch). The course of treatment is no more than 8 weeks.

The cost of packaging (56 tablets): from 420 rubles.

• copes with many problems of the gastrointestinal tract;
• effectively relieves heartburn;
• one application lasts up to 12 hours;
• stomach pains go away after 2-3 days, and acidity returns to normal within a week of use;
• there is no withdrawal syndrome.

• contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation;
• a large number of "side effects";
• isolated cases of unsuccessful use of this drug.

Remember, gastroprotectors and antisecretory agents should be prescribed by a specialist gastroenterologist. Self-medication is excluded.

Summing up our rating, I would like to highlight the following as conclusions:

• to avoid the appearance of reflux, it is necessary to follow a diet, if possible, minimize the consumption of spicy, fried and fatty foods, alcohol, and also try to avoid stress, which also negatively affects the health of the gastrointestinal tract. If unpleasant symptoms still appear, first of all, adjust your diet, exclude caffeinated drinks, alcohol from the diet, stick to a diet;
• most often, heartburn is a sign of some gastrointestinal disease (albeit just beginning, but still);
• if a burning sensation in the pit of the stomach appears regularly, it is worth contacting a gastroenterologist to identify the true cause of its appearance;
• do not self-medicate and do not prescribe drugs for yourself, because each of them, even the most harmless at first glance, has contraindications.