Different medications do different things. Some will reduce the acid created, some will improve muscle performance in the stomach area and some will help to clear the stomach. Most medications are available over the counter but you should still check with the doctor before you take anything.

Most people will use antacids which are most common. They contain magnesium, calcium or aluminum salts. They usually work the best in hydroxide or bicarbonate form and are used to neutralize the acid in the stomach. There are side effects from these medications such as constipation (from aluminum) and diarrhea (from magnesium). People with pre-existing diseases such as diabetes need to be careful when taking these over the counter medications containing magnesium salts. A combination of diabetic medication along with episodes of diarrhea can be life threatening.

You can also buy a product called Gaviscon which is a foaming agent. It produces a type of foam that coats the acid reflux and stops it from coming back through the Esopheal Sphincter.

Other medications like Pepcid and Zantac are referred to as H2 blockers. They will lessen the acid production. Cimetidine, Pepcid, nizatidine and Zantac are in this group which can work on as many as 50 percent of suffers. It is always advisable to talk with your doctor to set a doseage for these medications.

Proton Pump Inhibitors are generally longer lasting for reducing acid production. They are the strongest medications that you can get and they are by prescription only. Prilosec, Zegerid, Prevacid, Protonix, Aciphes and Nexium are all in this category. They are more effective that H2 blockers.

Prokinetics will help to strengthen the Lower Sphincter and clear the stomach quicker. They are unpopular as they have many side effects such as depression, anxiety, fatigue, sleeplessness and co-ordination etc.

Generally your doctor will treat you with various drugs depending on your own unique situation.