Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.
Thursday, December 5th
Pepcid AC is your go-to for quick and effective relief from acid reflux and heartburn. Made by Johnson & Johnson-Merck Consumer Pharmaceuticals Co., this H2 blocker lets you enjoy your favorite foods without discomfort. Take it 10-60 minutes before eating, and it works within minutes, providing 12-hour protection. With the active ingredient famotidine, available in 10 mg or 20 mg tablets, Pepcid AC caters to both mild and severe symptoms. Users rave about its fast relief and reliability, making this a great choice for managing (or straight-up avoiding) heartburn and other symptoms associated with acid reflux.
Acid Reflux Complete by Complete Natural Products is a natural remedy for acid reflux, heartburn, and GERD, featuring ingredients like apple cider vinegar, honey, and ginger root. Priced at $12.95 for 8 oz. or $19.95 for 16 oz., it promises quick relief and comes with perks like subscription discounts and free shipping. However, while many find it effective, others report side effects such as burning and queasiness, along with production issues like leaking seals and inconsistent taste. Despite being organic, kosher, and made in the USA, Acid Reflux Complete's mixed effectiveness and occasional quality control problems lead to a "just average” rating here.
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when stomach acid or bile flows back up into the esophagus, irritating the lining and causing discomfort. This condition is quite common and can range from mild irritation to severe pain.
Over-the-counter remedies for acid reflux typically aim to neutralize stomach acid, reduce its production, or enhance the functioning of the LES. The main types of over-the-counter remedies include antacids (short-term relief, typically provided by calcium carbonate), H2 receptor blockers (common active ingredients include ranitidine and famotidine), proton pump inhibitors (usually delivered as omeprazole or lansoprazole), and alginate drugs (which work by forming a protective barrier on top of the stomach's contents, most often in the form of sodium alginate).
The primary symptom of acid reflux is a burning sensation in the chest, commonly referred to as heartburn. However, other symptoms can include regurgitation of food or sour liquid (...you may call that a "vurp”...), difficulty swallowing, coughing, wheezing, and chest pain, especially when lying down at night.
Several factors can cause or exacerbate acid reflux. A weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle ring at the junction of the esophagus and stomach, is the main culprit. Normally, this sphincter closes tightly after food passes into your stomach, preventing acid from coming back up. However, if the LES relaxes inappropriately or weakens, acid can escape into your esophagus.
Contributing factors include obesity, pregnancy, smoking, certain medications (such as antihistamines, calcium channel blockers, and antidepressants), and dietary choices (like eating large meals, or eating late at night, as well as consuming fatty or fried foods, alcohol, coffee, and chocolate).
Which type of acid reflux option is right for you? That's a personal question, depending mostly on what you've tried in the past and what may or may not be contraindicated by anything you're currently taking. It's always best to check in with your physician before starting a new product for your acid reflux.
That being said, here are a few criteria you can use to further determine which remedy to try:
To help get you feeling better fast, the experts at Top Consumer Reviews have researched and rated some of the most popular acid reflux remedies on the market today. We're confident that there's something effective out there for you, that can get rid of that persistent heartburn or those unpleasant more-than-a-burps and let you get back to enjoying life!
Select any 2 Acid Reflux Products to compare them head to head