List of drugs that reduce gastric acidity

General information

Statistics show that gastritis with low acidity accounts for approximately a quarter of all cases of gastritis with which patients consult doctors. If an inflammatory process of the gastric mucosa is discovered for the first time during fibrogastroduodenoscopy in a person, then, as a rule, he is diagnosed with “superficial gastritis with high acidity .”
And when the acute inflammatory process becomes chronic, then high acidity levels remain for a long time. But if chronic gastritis progresses over the years, then in approximately 60% of cases there is a decrease in acidity values. In this case, signs of low stomach acidity appear. That is why this condition is more typical for older people.

What to avoid in treatment

Any of the presented groups of drugs has strict indications and many contraindications. Using even the most harmless at first glance can turn into trouble. Therefore, if you experience heartburn and acid in your mouth, do not rush to self-medicate. Rules to follow.

1. Representatives of each group of drugs should be taken only after they have been prescribed by a doctor, who will determine the treatment regimen for the disease in each specific case.
2. For increased stomach acidity, such medications as antacids should not be taken for a long course for more than 10–14 days (they disrupt the water-salt balance in the body).
3. During pregnancy, drugs are not used with rare exceptions, which should be discussed with your doctor.
4. Some groups are contraindicated for children under 14 years of age.

How to help the body cope with increased stomach acidity? To treat this condition, there are many substances that can control the functioning of the glands. The help of these funds is invaluable with increased production of hydrochloric acid. But any therapy should begin with an examination and communication with a therapist; basic safety rules should not be neglected.

What is stomach acidity

The definition of what gastric juice acidity is as follows: this is the concentration of hydrochloric acid in its composition. This pH indicator is measured in units; accordingly, the study determines the pH of gastric juice.

How to check the stomach if certain problems appear and there is a suspicion of the development of gastritis? If a patient complains of pain and fermentation in the stomach, then initially a gastroenterologist suggests that he conduct an FGSD study, as well as an analysis of gastric juice . Such an examination makes it possible to determine the state of the gastric mucosa and what the acidity is.

Normal acidity is important for the digestion process. In order for food to be digested as needed, enzymes . The main such enzyme is pepsin , which is produced and functions correctly only in an acidic environment. But further, for the contents of the stomach to enter the intestines and be properly absorbed, neutralization of the acid is necessary.

That is why two zones of the stomach are defined - the body and fundus, in which acid is formed, and the antrum, in which its neutralization takes place. When examining gastric acid and its concentration in gastric juice, these points must be taken into account.

The work of all organs and systems in the body is interconnected. And therefore, any, even the most minor, disturbances in the processes that occur in the stomach lead to disruption of food digestion as a whole. As a result, symptoms of stomach problems appear

Hydrochloric acid is produced by the cells of the fundic glands, they are called parietal glands. Hydrochloric acid in the stomach is produced constantly and equally intensively by these cells. What acid is in the human stomach depends on these cells. If they gradually die off, acidity levels decrease; if their number increases, the person is bothered by symptoms of high acidity. Signs of increased or decreased acidity are also observed if the degree of acid neutralization in the antal region of the stomach changes.

If the number of these cells gradually decreases, then over time the fundic glands also atrophy. atrophic gastritis increases significantly . This condition is unsafe, since in patients with atrophic gastritis the risk of developing oncological processes in the stomach increases sharply. In order to take the necessary measures in a timely manner and prevent such a serious disease, a patient with atrophic gastritis should regularly visit a gastroenterologist.

After all, the patient very often perceives the first signs of stomach cancer as an exacerbation of gastritis or its seasonal manifestations.

How do drugs to reduce acidity work?

The work of all structures of the stomach is not only about processing and assimilation of food. Each gland of this organ includes several cells with multidirectional actions.

1. Parietal cells produce hydrochloric acid, which is involved in the processing and disinfection of food.
2. Chief cells secrete pepsin, which affects the breakdown of proteins.
3. The endocrine and pyloric structures of the gastric glands increase acid production and stimulate motility.
4. To neutralize excess HCL, mucus is formed in the cells.

Tablets for high stomach acidity act in different ways. The main role in increasing acidity belongs to HCL. Therefore, in order to reduce all the symptoms associated with this change, it is necessary first of all to inhibit the work of parietal cells or inhibit the action of those sections that improve its secretion.

Two more mechanisms that normalize the functioning of the stomach glands - you can increase the amount of mucus and bind already produced acid.

So, in general, we can describe the work of all acid-regulating drugs. Moreover, each group has its own special methods of influencing stomach cells. Now we will take a closer look at all groups of drugs.

How is acidity determined?

If a person is worried about stomach pain, he is interested in how to find out whether the acidity of the stomach is increased or decreased.

The most physiological method for determining whether a person has increased or decreased acidity is to conduct intragastric pH-metry, which allows you to determine the level of acidity directly in the gastrointestinal tract. Such a study is carried out using acidogastrometers - special pH devices equipped with probes and sensors. This method is suitable for determining acidity in different parts of the stomach. Depending on the task that the diagnostician sets himself, determining what kind of environment in the stomach can be:

• short-term – lasts for several hours;
• express assessment – ​​within 20 minutes;
• daily – assessment of acid production throughout the day;
• endoscopic – the study is carried out during endoscopic diagnosis.

The aspiration method is also used. When using it, the contents of the stomach are taken using a fractional probe, which is used to collect gastric secretions from the stomach and intestines. However, during the process, the stomach contents from different zones are mixed, and as a result, the diagnostician receives a distorted result, which is only approximate.

Drugs that reduce the production of hydrochloric acid by the stomach

How to treat high stomach acidity if you suffer from heartburn? If a medicine from the previous category does not help or the tablets last only a few hours, the gastroenterologist may prescribe drugs that act directly on the cells that produce acid. These drugs include histamine H2 receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors. These compounds have their own differences in the mechanism of operation:

• blockers (ranitidine, famotidine) act not directly, suppressing the formation of HCl, but through inhibition of the production of histamine, which stimulates acid production;
• the products activate the production of mucus, which helps reduce the aggressive effect of hydrochloric acid on the digestive tract.

As for proton pump inhibitors, their effect goes directly to the last stage of acid production. These medications include:

• Omeprazole;
• Pantoprazole;
• Esomeprazole.

Therapeutic doses of representatives of these groups are enough to reduce acidity, heal ulcers, erosions and inflammation of the mucous membrane. However, not all of the acid is blocked, but only that part that the body’s own defense mechanisms are unable to neutralize.

How to determine stomach acidity at home

If a person is bothered by unpleasant symptoms, it is worth thinking about how to determine on your own, without gastroscopy, the level of acidity in a person. Of course, in any case, you should visit a doctor, but determining the acidity of the stomach at home will help you quickly adjust your diet and help your stomach and intestines function normally.

How to find out the acidity of the stomach at home and check whether antacid gastritis ? First of all, be attentive to the signals that the body gives. With low acidity, the following symptoms appear:

• The most characteristic symptom is the appearance of belching with the smell of rotten eggs and putrid odor from the mouth.
• In the stomach, acid provides a bactericidal and antiseptic effect, and if there is not enough acid in the gastric secretion, the defense mechanisms become very weak. As a result, the intestinal microflora changes. As a result, this condition is characterized by frequently recurring diarrhea and constipation .
• Due to decreased gastrointestinal motility caused by a lack of acid, persistent constipation may develop. And even if the patient strictly follows the diet and understands what not to eat, constipation still continues to bother the person.
• Due to fermentation, gases accumulate in the intestines, causing bloating and flatulence , and constant rumbling in the stomach.

Since proteins are not completely absorbed, an increased concentration of breakdown products is created in the stomach. of the immune system deteriorates . As a result, the body's resistance decreases, and pathological processes begin in various organs and systems. Most often, a person with this condition is worried about “attacks” of various mycoses - the fungus affects the mucous membranes, skin, and nails. Also, much more often the body is affected by viral diseases. oncological processes increases .

In addition to the disrupted process of protein breakdown, the absorption of minerals and vitamins in the intestines also deteriorates. Consequently:

• A deficiency of a number of vitamins in the body leads to the deterioration of the hair condition - it becomes very brittle and dry. Nails peel and crumble, the skin on the hands and face dries out and peels.
• Anemia develops - one of the indirect signs that acidity is low is iron deficiency anemia . If this condition is combined with atrophic gastritis , then we are talking about the development of Addison-Biermer disease . With the development of autoimmune gastritis, B12 deficiency anemia .
• With low acidity and, accordingly, a lack of vitamins, severe acne ; dilated blood vessels are visible on the nose and cheeks.

Drugs reduce the secretion of gastric glands

Antacids

Drugs in this group reduce the acidity of gastric juice, as they bind and adsorb hydrochloric acid.
Drugs in this group reduce the acidity of gastric juice, as they bind and adsorb hydrochloric acid.

Antacid drugs are divided into two main groups: absorbable and non-absorbable.

Absorbable drugs (sodium bicarbonate, carbonate and magnesium oxide) quickly bind hydrochloric acid and render it inactive. Their duration of action is short (about 30 minutes).

Non-absorbable antacids (Almagel, Maalox, Gastal, Phosphalugel) are characterized by a slow neutralization reaction. They bind to a large volume of hydrochloric acid, bind H+ ions, and have some enveloping and adsorbing properties: they reduce discomfort, pain, and heartburn. The use of these drugs is indicated in the acute period of the disease, preferably after meals and at night. This group of drugs is currently preferred.

M1 blockers (muscarinic)

M1 (muscarinic) receptor blockers (gastrocepin, pirenzepine) selectively block muscarinic receptors of parietal cells and intramural ganglia of the stomach wall and provide uniform and long-term suppression of gastric production (half-life is about 10 hours). Take 50 mg 30 minutes before breakfast and dinner.

Currently, M1 anticholinergic blockers are rarely used, since they have been replaced by drugs that block intracellular processes, the antisecretory properties of which have proven to be more effective. Of the antisecretory antiulcer drugs, the most widely recognized are histamine H2 receptor blockers of different generations.

Blockers of histamine H2 receptors of parietal cells suppress basal and stimulated production of pepsin, allow control of acid secretion, improve microcirculation in the mucous membrane, increase the production of glyceroglycolipids, which are an important component of gastric mucus, and also increase the secretion of bicarbonates.

Cimetidine

Cimetidine

- the first drug from this group - suppresses basal acid production by 80%, maximum - by 50%. The therapeutic effect is better in the treatment of duodenal ulcers than gastric ulcers. At the same time, it has a number of side effects: neuropsychic disorders, impotence, gynecomastia, platelet and leukopenia.

Drugs of the second (ranitidine) and third (famotidine) generations, as a rule, do not produce side effects.

Ranitidine

Ranitidine

has a stronger and longer-lasting (up to 10 hours) antisecretory effect. It is prescribed at a dose of 150 mg 2 times a day. The course of treatment for duodenal ulcers is 4 weeks, for gastric ulcers - 6-8 weeks.

Famotidine

Famotidine (trademark "Kvamatel" - "Gedeon Richter") is superior in activity to ranitidine, roxatidine and cimetidine
Famotidine

(trademark "Kvamatel" - "Gedeon Richter") is superior in activity to ranitidine, roxatidine and cimetidine. A 5 mg dose of famotidine is equivalent to 300 mg of cimetidine. The effect of cimetidine, ranitidine and famotidine occurs at approximately the same time after administration, however, the duration of action of famotidine is much longer - 2 times compared to cimetidine. Famotidine is widely used in modern clinical practice due to the fact that it has a small number of side effects.

Famotidine does not have a hepatotoxic effect, does not block the cytochrome P-450 system, does not increase plasma creatinine levels, does not penetrate the blood-brain barrier and does not cause neuropsychiatric disorders. When taking 40 mg of famotidine daily for 4 weeks, there is no change in the levels of prolactin, testosterone, follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones. After oral administration of 40 mg of famotidine or intravenous administration of 20 mg of the drug, blood pressure levels, heart rate and ECG patterns do not change.

Famotidine, due to its antisecretory effect, effectively and quickly relieves pain and heals ulcerative defects. Thus, when taking 40 mg of quamatel orally once a day, abdominal pain disappears by the end of the 1st week of treatment in 60-72% of patients. An uncomplicated duodenal ulcer while taking quamatel scars after 2 weeks in 45-55% of cases, after 4 weeks - in 92% of cases.

Nizatidine

Nizatidine

used in a dose of 150 mg.

There is information about the great effectiveness of histamine H2 receptor blockers for gastric bleeding. The mechanism of their hemostatic action is due to inhibition of hydrochloric acid production and a decrease in fibrinolysis processes.

At the end of treatment, the dosage of histamine H2 receptor blockers should be gradually reduced and at this time, protect the mucous membrane with antacids and alkaline mineral water.

What diseases cause low acidity?

If a person constantly exhibits the symptoms of low stomach acidity described above, and the study confirms that the acidity is low or zero, then this is fraught with the development of the following diseases:

• stomach cancer;
• antacid gastritis or gastroduodenitis with low acidity. It should be taken into account, if anacid gastritis , that this is a condition when the acidity in the stomach is more than 5 pH. Signs of low stomach acidity in this condition are accompanied by constant discomfort and pain in the stomach area.

determine stomach ulcers , gastritis and other pathological processes after examination.

Antacids

Antacids are prescribed to reduce high stomach acidity by neutralizing hydrochloric acid.

The following types of antacids are distinguished:

Absorbed antacids are characterized by short, short-term effects.

In addition, antacids:

• Penetrates the circulatory system.
• Increases blood pressure.
• They can provoke the formation of stones in internal organs.
• Causes constipation.
• They provoke the formation of gases, causing belching or bloating.

The most common representative of this group is baking soda. Taking the drug will relieve the patient of pain for a short period. However, long-term use of baking soda contributes to the disruption of water-salt balance, and the alkaline environment will have a destructive effect on the walls of the digestive organs.

Another drug in this group is magnesium oxide or burnt magnesia. This white powder neutralizes acids and is used even for chemical poisoning.

Rennie tablets, which are prescribed to reduce stomach acidity and are characterized by short-term effects, have proven themselves well.

Non-absorbable medications reduce acidity for a long time, but are not absorbed by the circulatory system. They are removed from the body along with toxins.

How to treat low acidity

If a patient is diagnosed with this condition, it is worth learning how to increase stomach acidity at home and cure gastritis caused by this condition.

Provided that the patient is diagnosed with gastritis without erosions, the following treatment is practiced:

• Replacement treatment with gastric juice , Acidin-pepsin , Pepsidil ;
• if there are indications, use antacids ;
• In order to get rid of Helicobacter pylori, according to indications, they take metronidazole , antibiotics , De-nol .

The diagnosis of “gastritis with low acidity” can only be confirmed by a gastroenterologist. Therefore, those who constantly notice symptoms of gastritis with low acidity should definitely contact a good specialist and describe to him all these signs.

Currently, drugs used to treat gastritis with low acidity are not produced in such a wide variety as drugs for the treatment of high acidity. If not only a diet is needed, but also medication treatment, as a rule, hydrochloric acid and medications that stimulate its production are prescribed. Herbs are also used for treatment - peppermint, calamus, wormwood.

Treatment must be monitored by a specialist, while periodically monitoring the patient’s condition over time. After all, low acidity causes cancer tension. Self-medication without medical supervision is not allowed, as this can lead to a serious deterioration in the patient’s condition.

Groups of medications for high acidity

What medications are prescribed for high stomach acidity? Treatment of gastrointestinal pathologies is carried out comprehensively. The treatment regimen depends on the symptoms bothering the patient, the patient’s sensitivity to the components of the drugs, and the causes of the disease.

Antibiotics

One of the main methods of combating the disease is antibiotic therapy. Drugs in this group prevent the growth and reproduction of pathogenic flora.

What can you drink if you have high acidity? Typically, patients are prescribed the following medications:

• Amoxicillin – 1 g;
• Clarithromycin – 500 mg.

Important! Despite the effectiveness of antibiotics, it is necessary to remember the negative consequences of their use for the body. After antimicrobial therapy, bowel dysfunction, skin rashes, and a weakened immune system often occur. For this reason, self-administration of antibiotics is unacceptable.

Proton pump inhibitors

Drugs in this group contain components that reduce stomach acidity by reducing the production of hydrochloric acid. Inhibitors stop the destruction of the walls of the digestive organ. Side effects of proton pump inhibitors include:

It is recommended to take the medication in a weekly course. The group of inhibitors includes:

Antacids

The group of drugs that reduce acidity in the stomach includes De-Nol, Vikalin, Gastro-Norm. The products create a protective film in the stomach, reducing the negative effects of acid on its walls.

Not everyone can take antacids. Contraindications include:

• lactation period and pregnancy;
• childhood;
• renal failure.

Combination drugs

Combination agents include:

1. Almagel in the form of suspensions or tablets. Prescribed for the treatment of gastritis, ulcers, inflammation of the esophagus. The product can be used during the period of remission of gastrointestinal pathologies.
2. Maalox. The medicine reduces acidity in the stomach, has an enveloping and analgesic effect. The medicine can only be used with the consent of the doctor, since if the dosage is exceeded, the active substances of the medicine contribute to the removal of fluoride from the body. The course of therapy does not exceed 14-15 days.
3. Gastroform. The medicine is prescribed for increased stomach acidity in the acute stage. The active components of the drug are protein, lactobacilli and sucrose. It has no contraindications other than individual intolerance to the components.
4. Gastal. Quickly neutralizes increased stomach acidity, maintaining a neutral pH environment for up to 3 hours. The components of Gastal envelop the mucous membranes of the digestive organ and promote the regeneration of its damaged tissues.

Adsorbent drugs

This group of medications includes activated carbon, Enterosgel, Filtrum, Polysorb. The drugs are available in the form of powder and tablets. The main effect is to bind toxins and remove them out. In addition, adsorbents help reduce stomach acidity.

In case of pathology, it is allowed to take white clay. It neutralizes the acidic environment and envelops the walls of the gastrointestinal tract. White clay should be taken with caution, as long-term use can lead to the formation of gallstones.

Histamine receptor blockers

The components of the blockers prevent the spread of hydrochloric acid throughout the digestive organ. This promotes rapid restoration of the stomach walls. Blockers are less effective than proton pump inhibitors, so the course of treatment with them is long - up to 4 weeks. It is recommended to take 2 tablets per day. The group of medications includes:

• Telfast;
• Caesar;
• Ranitidine.

Antispasmodics

Increased acidity of the stomach is manifested by pain symptoms, and treatment for this reason is supplemented by taking antispasmodics - Nosh-pa, Drotaverine. The drugs act on the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract and improve blood flow in the tissues. Antispasmodics quickly relieve attacks of pain, but taking them uncontrollably is not recommended - this can cause cardiac arrest.

Neurotropic drugs

Medicines reduce the intensity of pain from gastritis or ulcers. Neurotropic drugs include:

Homeopathic remedies

Among the drugs to reduce acidity, homeopathic remedies can also be noted. Their use is advisable only as part of complex therapy. The main effect of drugs in this group is to strengthen the body’s immune forces and reduce pain.

1. Duodenol – helps reduce the production of hydrochloric acid and prevents the development of reflux ecophagitis.
2. Gastrikumel - accelerates intestinal motility, eliminates flatulence. The tablets are taken before meals.
3. Cinchona – is prescribed to increase stomach acidity. The drug speeds up the digestion of food, fights colic and a burning sensation in the abdominal cavity.

To reduce stomach acidity in children, homeopathic medications can also be prescribed - Robinia, Petroleum.

Combination drugs

Such drugs include Almagel, Maalox, Gastal, Gastrofarm and others.

Almagel

This medicine is prescribed to treat the following diseases:

• peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum;
• gastritis;
• esophagitis and heartburn.

The drug is prescribed both during the period of exacerbation and during the period of remission.

Maalox

This medicine has healing properties similar to Almagel. Maalox reduces acidity, absorbs substances that provoke inflammation, coats the walls of the stomach, and also relieves pain. Admission is prescribed both during exacerbation and remission.

In addition, Maalox is sometimes prescribed to healthy people if the increase in acidity is caused by:

• taking certain medications;
• unbalanced diet;
• consuming large doses of coffee, alcohol, and nicotine.

However, the medication should be taken under the supervision of a physician, since an overdose may result in phosphorus being removed from the body. The course of treatment should not exceed half a month.

Gastrofarm

This medicine is prescribed for exacerbation of the following diseases:

Gastrofarm has no contraindications, except for individual intolerance. This medicine relieves pain, normalizes the functionality of the digestive system, and promotes the restoration of organ cells.

Gastal

The product almost immediately neutralizes excess acid in gastric secretions, which is maintained at normal levels for about 2 hours. The medication envelops the gastric walls and activates recovery processes. Prescribed with caution to pregnant and lactating women.

Recently, there are many prerequisites for the development of pathologies of the gastrointestinal system that occur with high acidity. The pharmaceutical industry offers a wide range of medications to treat these pathologies.

One of the common problems of the gastrointestinal tract is considered to be increased stomach acidity. It is characterized by an unfavorable effect on the walls of the organ of gastric juice, which contains a large amount of hydrochloric acid. This process often leads to unpleasant symptoms such as nausea, heartburn, heaviness in the stomach, and constipation. To get rid of the pathology, doctors prescribe medications for high stomach acidity.