Axid Uses (Cont.)

 
Axid for GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is caused by acid reflux into the esophagus. The term acid reflux refers to the backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus. The stomach is designed to be able to handle the acid it produces; the esophagus, however, is not. If too much stomach acid is in contact with the esophagus for too long, damage to the lining of the esophagus occurs, causing the symptoms of GERD (see What Is GERD?).
 
A few of the more common GERD symptoms include heartburn, the sensation that food is stuck in your throat, choking feelings, an acidic or sour taste in the mouth, and chest pain. Axid is approved to treat the symptoms of GERD. It works by decreasing the amount of acid in the stomach.
 
Axid also works to heal esophagitis (damage to the esophagus) caused by GERD.
 

How Axid Works

Axid is part of a class of drugs known as H2 blockers. The medication works by blocking a certain type of histamine receptors (Type 2). Histamine is a chemical that has several different effects in the body. In the stomach, histamine causes an increase in the production of stomach acid. By blocking histamine in the stomach, Axid decreases stomach acid production. In addition to decreasing the amount of stomach acid produced throughout the day, Axid also helps control the increase in stomach acid that usually happens after meals.
 

Axid Use in Children and Adolescents

Prescription Axid® Oral Solution (liquid) is approved to treat GERD (and heartburn or esophagitis associated with GERD) in children ages 12 and up. Over-the-counter Axid® AR is approved for treating sour stomach, acid indigestion, and heartburn in children ages 12 and up.
 
(Axid Uses Continued: Page 3)

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;