Cimetidine Alternatives (Cont.)

 
Medications
There are several types of medications that could be considered substitutes for cimetidine. A few of the more common types include:
 
  • Antacids and foaming agents: These medications can be very helpful for symptoms of GERD or heartburn, but they are usually not enough to be used to treat more serious problems of the esophagus. These medications include:
o Alka-Seltzer®
o Maalox®
o Mylanta®
o Pepto-Bismol®
o Rolaids®
o Riopan®.
  • H2 blocker medications: Cimetidine is an H2 blocker. H2 blockers work by reducing the amount of acid produced by the stomach. They work relatively quickly. In addition to cimetidine, these medications include:
  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): These are some of the most effective medications for GERD and related conditions. However, usually they take longer to work than other antacids or H2 blockers. PPIs include:
Surgery
If your condition is very serious (or if medications are not helping), surgery may be another option.
 
(Click GERD Surgery for more information.)
 
(Cimetidine Alternatives Continued: Page 3)

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