Promotility Medication for GERD
Promotility drugs are another class of medication for
GERD.
These drugs don't affect the amount of acid your stomach produces. However, they do help the lower esophageal sphincter close off more than it did before. This can prevent stomach juices from moving back up into the esophagus.
They may also cause your stomach to empty itself faster and assist in esophageal peristalsis, which helps clear stomach juices from the esophagus.
These drugs are often recommended for people who have problems with
heartburn only at night and for people who still have problems after trying the other medications. Types of medication for GERD in this class include:
- Reglan® (metoclopramide)
- Urecholine® (bethanechol)
- Propulsid® (cisapride).
A Summary of Medication for GERD
There are several different types of medication for GERD. Because each class of medication works in a different way, combinations of drugs may help control symptoms. People who get heartburn after eating may take both
antacids and
H2 blockers. The antacids work first to neutralize the acid in the stomach, while the H2 blockers act on acid production. By the time the antacid stops working, the H2 blocker will have stopped acid production. As always, talk to your doctor about which medication for GERD is best in your situation.
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