Fast Heartburn Relief:

What's Safe?

Fast heartburn relief can sometimes come in the form of taking medication, but it is best to try to control the heartburn with dietary and lifestyle changes first.

However, if the heartburn is still not managed by these changes, you may need to consider relief with medication.

Heartburn in pregnancy is common, but brings new concerns for expectant mothers. Are you wondering what is safe for the baby and what is potentially harmful?

Types of medications for heartburn:

• Over-the-counter antacids
  • Antacids containing Magnesium
  • Antacids containing Aluminum
  • Antacids containing Calcium
  • Antacids containing sodium bicarbonate

• Histamine Type II (H-2) receptor antagonists

• Proton-pump Inhibitors (PPI)

• Sucralfate (brand name: Carafate)

• Antacids containing magnesium and aluminum (ex: Maalox, Mylanta)

• Antacids containing calcium (ex: Tums)

• Sucralfate (Carafate)

• Antacids containing sodium bicarbonate: can cause fluid overload and decreased iron absorption

• Histamine-type II (H-2) receptor antagonists (ex: Pepcid, Axid, Zantac)

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) (ex: Prilosec)

No matter what type of medication you are taking (over the counter or prescribed), it is important to discuss with your physician.

Remember that even though medication can cause fast relief for heartburn with the pop of a pill, it is still best to try to relieve it with avoiding certain foods and making other lifestyle changes.

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