Heartburn Medication

Heartburn is something that we have all suffered from at one time or another. If you suffer from the occasional heartburn then there is quite a few heartburn medication and remedies that can bring you relief from heartburn. You need to be careful as to the heartburn medication that you choose because there is a plethora of treatments that you can take.

It is a well known fact that most heartburn sufferers use over-the-counter heartburn medication for relief. However, you need to be aware that this type of heartburn medication is not intended for long-term use. Most directions for use indicate that you shouldn't use this heartburn medication for longer than 2-4 weeks.

If you have chronic heartburn and are experiencing heartburn more than a couple of times per week then relying on over-the-counter medications to get some relief is not a very good idea. In this case it's probably about time to go and see your doctor. The type of symptoms you have may determine the type of heartburn medication you should take. Depending on what other treatments you have tried, how and when your symptoms occur, and how long they last for can be influential in the type of heartburn medication you should take.

Over-the-counter heartburn medication you have probably seen in your local pharmacy include Mylanta, Pepto-Bismol, Alka-Seltzer, Maalox, Tums, Rolaids and Rennie. In most places there are cheaper, generic forms offered. These are all basically antacids that neutralize the stomach acids that cause heartburn.

If you have occasional heartburn, antacids are usually a good heartburn medication option. They are good for the onset of heartburn after eating a spicy meal. Just make sure that you follow the package directions and don't take them for longer than two weeks. If you feel like you are dependent heartburn medication then you should talk with your doctor to seek professional advice.