7 Best OTC Stomach Acid Reducers 2023

Stomach acid, also known as gastric acid, is a digestive fluid produced in the stomach that helps break down food and facilitate the absorption of nutrients. There are important roles of stomach acid in the digestive process. It helps to:

  • eliminate potentially harmful bacteria and other germs in food.
  • break down proteins into smaller molecules called peptides, which can be further broken down into individual amino acids by enzymes in the small intestine.
  • activate digestive enzymes that assist in breaking down proteins, such as pepsin.
  • encourage the release of the hormones that control hunger and digestion.
However, too much stomach acid can lead to several medical issues, including gastritis, acid reflux, and ulcers. It's critical to consume a nutritious diet, stay away from items that cause acid reflux, and control your stress levels in order to maintain a good balance of stomach acid. To lessen or control the production of stomach acid, doctors may occasionally prescribe medication.

How to Reduce Excess Stomach Acid Naturally?

There are several ways that may help you reduce excess stomach acid. Here are some tips:
  • Eat smaller, more frequent meals: Eating smaller meals can help lower the quantity of acid released during digestion.
  • Avoid trigger foods: Certain foods, like those that are spicy or acidic, can cause the production of too much stomach acid. Avoiding these foods can help reduce symptoms.
  • Control your stress: Stress might cause your stomach to produce more acid. To assist lower stress levels, try relaxing activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
  • Drink ginger tea: Having a cup of ginger tea can help lower stomach acid because ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties. The consumption of ginger tea can reduce symptoms.
  • Chew gum: Chewing gum can increase saliva production, which can assist in reducing stomach acid.
  • Drink chamomile tea: Chamomile tea naturally combats inflammation, reducing stomach acid and improving digestion.
It's crucial to remember that if you have persistent acid reflux or other digestive problems, you should see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Best OTC Stomach Acid Reducers

Several over-the-counter (OTC) drugs can help lower stomach acid. Here are some examples:
  • Antacids: An OTC drug class that is frequently used to reduce stomach acid. They function by raising the stomach's pH level, which lowers the acid production. Some examples of antacids include Tums, Rolaids, and Maalox.
  • H2 blockers: H2 blockers are another over-the-counter drugs that can reduce stomach acid. They function by blocking the stomach's histamine receptors, which lowers the production of stomach acid. Some examples of H2 blockers include Pepcid AC and Zantac.
  • PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) are a stronger type of medication that can help lower stomach acid. They work by blocking the production of acid in the stomach. Some examples of PPIs include Nexium and Prevacid.
It's important to remember that even though these drugs may work well to reduce stomach acid, they should only be used as directed and for a limited period of time. You should see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment if you have persistent acid reflux or other digestive problems.

1. TUMS Smoothies Extra Strength Antacid Chewable Tablets for Heartburn Relief

TUMS Smoothies Extra Strength Antacid Chewable Tablets for Heartburn Relief


Contain: 140 TUMS Smoothies Extra Strength Antacid Chewable Tablets for Heartburn Relief in assorted fruit flavors

- Multi-symptom Relief
Smooth dissolve tablets work quickly to relieve heartburn, sour stomach, acid indigestion and upset stomach associated with these symptoms

- Fast and Powerful Strength
These extra strength heartburn tablets go to work instantly by starting to neutralize acid on contact

- Gluten Free and Kosher Pareve: 
Chewable antacid tablets with the active ingredient calcium carbonate

- #1 Doctor Recommended
TUMS antacids are the #1 recommended adult antacid brand by doctors, pharmacists and OBGYNs

Ratings
4.8 out of 5 - more than 5,900 global ratings

I’ve been using Tums for years. I get immediate relief from heartburn/indigestion/acid reflux. So glad I tried the “Smoothies” version because they’re less hard than the original.

2. Rolaids Advanced Antacid Plus Anti-Gas 60 Chewable Tablets

Rolaids Advanced Antacid Plus Anti-Gas 60 Chewable Tablets


Contain: One (1) 60-count bottle of Rolaids Advanced Antacid Plus Anti-Gas Chewable Tablets, Assorted Berry

- Kicks Acid and More
Rolaids Advanced Antacids plus Anti-Gas offer multi-symptom relief

- Goes to Work Instantly
Chewable antacid tablets start working immediately to help relieve heartburn, acid indigestion, pressure and bloating commonly referred to as gas

- Convenient
Chew 2-4 tablets as symptoms occur or as directed by a doctor; do not take more than 7 tablets in 24 hours; do not use the maximum dosage for more than 2 weeks

- Assorted Berry Flavor
This heartburn relief tablet comes in an assorted berry flavor

Ratings
4.8 out of 5 - more than 5,900 global ratings

I use this product at the first signs of heart burn or acid reflux as it is called and within a few minutes time the sensation burning sensation is gone. Works like a charm every time all the time. I would highly recommend this product to those who suffer heartburn of any kind especially after eating.

3. Mylanta Antacid and Gas Relief Maximum Strength Formula

  • new smooth creamy taste and extra coating power
  • tough on heartburn and gentle on your body
  • works on contact
  • multi-symptom relief
  • paraben-free
  • easy grip bottle; dosage cup included
Ratings
4.7 out of 5 - more than 8,000 global ratings

This is the best antacid available for heartburn & acid reflux disease. Recommended by my doctors for years. Been using for 18-20 yrs as needed. You get what you pay for, & this is a bit more expensive than lookalikes but worth it.

4. Pepcid AC Maximum Strength, 20 mg Famotidine for Heartburn Prevention & Relief


50-count of Maximum Strength Pepcid AC All-Day Heartburn Relief Tablets with famotidine, for the prevention and relief of heartburn due to acid indigestion and sour stomach. Just 1 tablet controls acid all day or all night (based on 9-hour acid control studies during the day and 12-hour acid control studies during the night)

Each heartburn relief tablet is specially formulated with 20 milligrams of famotidine, a known acid reducer and controller for maximum strength aid in the relief and prevention of acid indigestion

This acid neutralizing medicine can be taken as early as 60 minutes prior to eating, or in as little as 10 minutes before consuming food and beverages that contribute to heartburn

Warning:
Keep a package of the acid indigestion relief tablets at home and in the office to relieve heartburn whenever it strikes. Adults & children 12+, swallow 1 tablet with a glass of water; do not chew. Do not take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours

Ratings
4.8 out of 5 - more than 15,800 global ratings

I take daily medication for acid reflux but sometimes I can still have a flare up. Pepcid is the only thing that helps calm my flare up. It is a must have in my medicine cabinet or in my purse.

5. Zantac Zantac 360 Maximum Strength Tablets, Heartburn Prevention and Relief


Contains one (1) 100-count bottle of Zantac 360 Maximum Strength 20 mg tablets
  • formula starts working in as little as 10 minutes
  • reducer targets heartburn at its source and reduces stomach acid production for up to 12 hours* *refers to acid control, acid control does not correlate with symptom relief
  • prevents and relieves heartburn by blocking a histamine receptor to reduce stomach acid production
Ratings
4.6 out of 5 - more than 1,600 global ratings

I like the new formulation for Zantac 360. Seems to keep the acid away for me. Take one at night most nights. Same active ingredient at Pepcid, but these seem to have less negative effects - no headache or dry mouth. Was taking PPIs for a while, which are very strong and work, but have lots of side effects. So the H2 blocker here is a better option for me. And I like that they are very very small pills.

6. Nexium 24HR Acid Reducer Heartburn Relief Capsules


- Contents
42 Nexium 24HR Acid Reducer Heartburn Relief Capsules with Esomeprazole Magnesium provide complete all day, all night protection from heartburn

- Blocks Acid at the Source
Acid reducers that turn the body's acid pumps from on to off for complete heartburn protection*

- Once Daily Heartburn Medicine
Just one easy to swallow capsule daily provides 24 hour relief, letting you get through your day and sleep restfully at night without heartburn interruptions*

- Stops Acid Before it Starts
Esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules shut down stomach's active acid pumps to treat frequent heartburn all day and all night

- Choice of Doctors
Nexium 24HR acid reducers are the number 1 choice of doctors for their own frequent heartburn*

Ratings
4.8 out of 5 - more than 13,800 global ratings

My Cardiologist was the Dr who highly recommended Nexium. He claims it cured his Acid Reflux. My Acid Reflux was so terrible that I thought I had Throat Cancer. The ENT Dr was very concerned, referred me to a Gastroenterology Doctor. This product is a miracle med as far as I am concerned. It works immediately. I ordered the Nexium 24 hr. Capsules, Amazon has the best price and it was delivered in one day! I am so delighted with this product that I will never take any other med for this condition.

7. Prevacid 24HR Lansoprazole Delayed-Release Capsules


- 24 Hour Heartburn Relief
The active ingredient in Prevacid 24HR is lansoprazole, an acid reducer, which helps to keep heartburn pain at bay for 24 hours

- Reduce Heartburn
Enjoy good meals, good times and a good night's sleep without the pain. Use as directed for 14 days to treat frequent heartburn. Not intended for immediate relief, although some people get complete relief of symptoms within 24 hours

- Effective Heartburn Treatment
Prevacid 24HR is a 14-day course treatment and clinically proven to treat frequent heartburn.

- Treats Heartburn Day and Night
Prevacid 24HR prevents stomach acid that causes frequent heartburn and its unpleasant symptoms. So why treat after you start feeling the burn.

- Proton Pump Inhibitor
Prevacid 24HR turns off the pumps that produce the acid that causes heartburn.

Ratings
4.8 out of 5 - more than 4,000 global ratings

I have tried every H2 Blocker, PPI, and Antacid imaginable and I have come to the conclusion that Prevacid is the best PPI for me. I have experienced no noticeable side-effects to this medication and taking 30mg once in the morning provides all day acid reduction. I have found best results pairing PPI's with a probiotic and digestive enzymes before meals to give the stomach a little help digesting foods. The longer your stomach spends digesting food, the more acid your stomach will create.

Due to my Hiatal Hernia, there is no PPI that will completely eliminate Acid Reflux for me, that's just the harsh reality of my condition. However, Prevacid is the most effective and affordable PPI that I have found in over 4 years since I was diagnosed with GERD.

FAQ

a. How Acid Reflux Works


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