Long term antacids start acting within an hour and continue on for multiple hours into the day (8 to 24 hours) by reducing acid production. Common prescription drugs for long term relief include proton pump inhibitors (e.g. Nexium , Omeprazole and Protonix) and H2 antagonists (e.g. Pepcid, Raniditine and Cimetidine). H2 antagonists/blockers or H2RAs reduce the production of acid in your stomach. They were the first generation of long term antacids. They are partial inhibitors of acid production. PPI, or proton pump inhibitors, however, were manufactured later on and are more effective in complete inhibition of acid production.
One dose of an H2 blocker may last up to 8 to 12 hours while one dose of a PPI can last up to 24 hours. Proton pump inhibitors are now available without a prescription for treatment of heartburn; or with a prescription for the treatment of heartburn, GERD, ulcers, esophagitis and other stomach acid related conditions. Differences between PPI/ H2 blockers AND EPISOLVE GI: It is said the harder the rise, the harder the fall. PPI/ H2 blockers decrease the acidity in the stomach causing the stomach to secrete high gastrin levels that in turn activate the parietal cell to produce more acid. When the patient skips or stops the OTC medication, the production of acid goes in full swing and the heartburn will come with a revenge secondary to rebound acidity. It is estimated that 40% of users of PPI/ H2 blockers still have breakthrough GERD/ reflux pain. We recommend to add Episolve GI to your diet if you are having breakthrough episodes of heartburn. Episolve GI is gentle on the stomach and works as COMPLEMENTARY supplement to the above OTC meds to alleviate the breakthrough symptoms.
[1] These scientific claims are made based on in vitro experiments.
[2] These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, although the ingredients are recognized by the FDA as generally safe and effective