Medications

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These agents provide no protection against Barrett's esophagus. In fact, of concern are reports that long-term acid suppression with these drugs may cause cancerous changes in the stomach in patients who are infected with H. pylori. Research on this question is still on-going.

Proton-Pump Inhibitors

Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) suppress the production of stomach acid and work by inhibiting the molecule in the stomach glands that is responsible for acid secretion, which is called the gastric acid pump.

The standard agent has been omeprazole (Prilosec) which is now available over-the-counter without a prescription. Newer prescription oral PPIs include esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex), and pantoprazole (Protonix).

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Studies report significant relief from PPIs in most patients with heartburn. PPIs are effective for healing erosive esophagitis and may also be helpful in patients with chronic laryngitis that is suspected to be caused by GERD. The newer agents provide quicker symptom relief compared to omeprazole. However, a 2002 comparison study suggested that to date esomeprazole (Nexium) is the only newer oral PPI to show any significant advantage over omeprazole (Prilosec). In any case all PPIs are more effective than the H2 blockers.

In addition to relieving most common symptoms, including heartburn, proton-pump inhibitors also have the following advantages:

They are effective in relieving chest pain and laryngitis caused by GERD.
They may also reduce acid reflux that typically occurs during strenuous exercise.

Patients with impaired esophageal muscular action are still likely to experience acid breakthrough and reflux at night. Proton-pump inhibitors also may have little or no effect on regurgitation or asthmatic symptoms. Some experts believe, however, that they should be the first drugs of choice even for patients with milder symptoms. At this time, these drugs are recommended for the following patients: