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Tuesday, January 21st
Prilosec could be your go-to solution for combatting acid reflux. As the #1 doctor and gastroenterologist recommended frequent heartburn medicine for over 15 years, Prilosec has definitely earned its place on our list. With just one pill each morning, you can block heartburn for a full 24 hours. Doesn't that sound amazing?!
Worth waiting a few days for long-term relief
Prilosec works similarly to several other heartburn options on our list. Its active ingredient, Omeprazole Magnesium (20.6 mg), is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that prevents excess acid production, addressing the root cause of heartburn rather than just neutralizing existing stomach acid like antacids do. This means you get longer-lasting relief, which can take anywhere from 1 to 4 days to fully kick in, but it's worth the wait for many users.
Take once a day for 14 days
Priced at $22.48, each package contains 42 tablets, and you're recommended to follow a 14-day regimen, taking one tablet each day with a glass of water before eating. It's crucial to follow this regimen and wait at least 4 months between courses unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Always consult your doctor when dealing with acid reflux
Generally speaking, Prilosec is intended for adults 18 years and older, and be sure to check the packaging for specific warnings regarding those taking certain prescription medications or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Always consult with a healthcare professional if you have underlying health conditions or are on other medications to avoid potential interactions with the ingredients of Prilosec.
Outstanding results from a well-respected manufacturer
The product's high customer satisfaction, with over 15,000 five-star reviews, speaks volumes about its effectiveness and reliability. Users say that Prilosec is quick-acting and long-lasting, diminishing heartburn and other symptoms of acid reflux when used as directed. And let's not overlook the fact that Procter & Gamble, the makers of Prilosec, have been in business for nearly 200 years, and have been accredited and "A+” rated by the Better Business Bureau since 1928. If you value getting your acid reflux product from a company that really goes back a long time, you won't find any that can rival Prilosec.
Best for name-brand omeprazole
We have absolutely no concerns about recommending Prilosec for fighting acid reflux. The main reason it doesn't earn a higher rating here is because the generic version (omeprazole) is offered for a lower price. But, Prilosec isn't exactly exorbitant when it comes to cost, so if you prefer to spend a little more for a name brand, this is a product that deserves your trust.
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