7 Best Medications for Heartburn GERD and Acid Reflux in 2024

Heartburn is a condition that 60 million Americans experience at least once per month. The main causes of heartburn include acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a chronic form of acid reflux. The best medication for heartburn includes classes of heartburn medications: antacids, histamine-2 (H2) blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

To avoid these symptoms, you can take various kinds of medications—  from over-the-counter (OTC) to prescription. If you need medical attention, consider signing up for Mira, an affordable alternative to health insurance that allows you to get 24/7/365 virtual care access, in-person urgent care, lab tests, and more for only $45/month

Best Over-The-Counter Heartburn Medications in 2024

There are three main classes of heartburn medications: antacids, histamine-2 (H2) blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These different forms of heartburn medications all have unique benefits, side effects, and each one tends to be better suited for specific health condition needs. We have compiled a list of the best heartburn medications for different needs to analyze these components better. These seven best heartburn medications include:

• Famotidine (Pepcid)
• Omeprazole (Prilosec)
• Esomeprazole (Nexium)
• Mylicon
• Calcium carbonate (TUMS)
• Maalox
• Sodium Bicarbonate

Famotidine: Most Effective

If you’re in search of a strong relief from heartburn that is relatively cost-effective, Famotidine (commonly known as Pepcid) may be the right option for you. Pepcid is an H2 blocker that works by lowering the levels of acid produced in the stomach. Through this, Pepcid is not only effective in relieving heartburn but also in treating acid reflux. 

Pepcid is a viable option in treating heartburn, as it is relatively fast-acting and long-lasting. On average, after taking Pepcid, individuals report noticing relief of heartburn within an hour, and typically, the effects of famotidine last for 10 to 12 hours after an initial dose. Pepcid is also a medication that can be purchased OTC or as a prescription. This unique flexibility of Pepcid allows it to be relatively accessible for all patients while also being capable of coming in higher doses for those who need more intense care. For an OTC pack of Pepcid, the average cost is typically under $10. 

Famotidine is best taken with a glass of water. Additionally, it can be taken with or without food. The most common side effects of famotidine include a headache or gastrointestinal pain (constipation, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain).

Omeprazole: Best For Stomach Acid Reduction

Omeprazole, commonly known as Prilosec, is a PPI that reduces the quantity of food-digesting acid made by the cells within the lining of your stomach. In fact, Prilosec was one of the first and strongest PPIs created to combat acid reflux. According to Dr. Ghouri, Prilosec OTC “is usually sufficient in controlling symptoms in a majority of [heartburn] cases” and has been the #1 Doctor Recommended frequent heartburn relief medicine for 14 years.

There are various benefits to using Prilosec OTC, most notably the ease of the dosing schedule and the effectiveness in lowering frequent piques of heartburn in individuals. When taking Prilosec OTC, you only have to take one pill per day for 14 days. Although it may take between one to four days to experience the full effect, Prilosec OTC begins to work, and individuals notice relief on the first day of treatment. After the fourteenth day, acid production should grow to be controlled consistently.

Prilosec OTC prices tend to vary, from $18.44 on Amazon to $85.90 on Walmart. Despite the slightly higher cost than Pepcid, Prilosec OTC provides long-term relief from heartburn following 14 days. Similar to Pepcid, the common side effects produced are only a headache and abdominal pain.