Acid reflux disease often termed as GERD can be defined as a chronic symptom or mucosal damage that is produced by an abnormal reflux of the gastric contents and acids into the esophagus. It commonly occurs due to transient or permanent changes in the valve between the stomach and the esophagus. This impairs expulsion of acids from stomach to the esophagus or in case of hiatal hernia. Although the exact causes of acid reflux problems could not be found out but some drugs have been prescribed in order to curb the conditions that leads to acid reflux.

Drugs Used:

1. Proton pump inhibitors: They are most effective in acid reflux relief as they stop the secretion of acids from its source of acid production. This helps in reducing gastric related problems.

2. Antacids: Antacids can be administered before or after meals for person suffering from reflux problems. They help in reducing the acid level by reducing the pH level in the stomach.

3. Alginic acid: Alginic acid coats the esophagus and increase its pH level so that no or less damage is done to the esophagus. By medical analysis it is proved that this acid is most effective non-prescriptive treatment for reducing gastric reflux.

4. Gastric receptors blockers: Blockers such as rantinide or famotidine reduce the gastric secretions of the acids produced. These antihistamines relieve about 50% of the cases suffering from reflux problems.

5. Prokinetics: It strengthens the gastrointestinal valve and speeds up the gastric emptying in the stomach. This treatment is not recommended for people suffering from heart ailments.

6. Sucralfate, a medicine is helpful as an adjunct in healing and preventing esophageal damage however it has to be administered many times a day and also before and after meals atleast two hours early.

Effectiveness of Drugs:

These drugs are registered drugs and pass through stringent laws in most of the western countries. They are being scientifically made and are proving a boon to curb the acid reflux problems. They are not made to cure the acid reflux conditions only they reduce the problems that are caused by acid reflux. But from the time they have being used in the medical treatment, satisfactory results have been obtained and are becoming a reliable source to curb the acid reflux problems.