Proton-pump inhibitors are the most potent and long-lasting reducers of gastric (stomach) acid production available today.  They have largely replaced H2-receptor antagonists as the prescription drug of choice for acid-related conditions such as gastroesophageal disease (acid reflux), dyspepsia (indigestion), peptic ulcers and laryngopharyngeal reflux (stomach acid back flowing into the throat). Proton-pump inhibitors are the third largest selling class of drugs in the US, with a staggering 113.4 million prescriptions filled each year.

Proton-pump inhibitors stop acid secretion at the source (the proton pump). Decreasing extra stomach acid helps relieve symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, persistent cough and trouble sleeping, and prevents the excess acid damaging your digestive system. Most patients will start to notice relief of their symptoms in about two weeks, but are generally advised to stay on the medication for two months. Once the symptoms resolve, the medication can be tapered off. Most people will remain symptom-free, but some will require a follow-up treatment. If necessary, they can be used for long-term maintenance therapy.

Proton-pump inhibitors are generally well-tolerated, but one recent large scale Canadian study found that heart attack patients who were taking a combination of certain proton-pump inhibitors and Plavix were 40 per cent more likely to have another heart attack in the first three months after leaving hospital. The study found that some types of proton-pump inhibitors interfered with Plavix’s ability to stop blood platelets from sticking.

The researchers found no negative interaction between Plavix and one of the best-selling proton-pump inhibitors, Protonix (pantoprazole sodium), or with H2-receptor antagonists. In an article in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, the researchers said that thousands of recurrent heart attacks each year could potentially be avoided by prescribing Protonix medication for patients on Plavix who need a proton-pump inhibitor.

Cheap Protonix has been available in generic form for several years. Protonix should be taken half-an-hour to an hour before meals for maximum effect. It should not be taken with gingko biloba, which can reduce its effectiveness. One little known fact about Protonix – it can cause a false positive for lab test results for THC, the active ingredient in marijuana.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD, occurs when a muscle-like valve where the esophagus joins the stomach opens spontaneously or doesn’t close properly. Stomach contents, including digestive juices, leak back and rise up into the esophagus. Unlike the stomach, the esophagus can’t tolerate these digestive juices or acids, which can irritate, scar and even destroy its lining. The acids can also affect the mouth and lungs.

It’s estimated that 7 percent of Americans experience GERD symptoms daily, and twice that number experience them weekly. Typical GERD symptoms are heartburn, regurgitation, a bitter taste in the mouth and trouble swallowing. Less common symptoms are excess saliva, nausea, and chest pain.  If the GERD causes damage to the esophagus, mouth and/or larynx, it can result in coughing, laryngitis, asthma, tooth damage or sinusitis. On occasion, GERD can also cause severe middle back pain. GERD has also been linked to sleepwalking, presumably because the discomfort disturbs sleep patterns. Infants and children can also suffer from GERD.

GERD can have many contributing factors, including obesity, pregnancy, hiatal hernia, certain medications, smoking and drinking alcohol. Chronic GERD that is left untreated can result in serious complications like ulcers, inflammation and scarring of the esophagus and lungs, and even esophageal cancer. Depending on its severity, treatment for GERD may involve lifestyle changes and/or medications, or surgery. Mild GERD can be treated with over the counter GERD medicines like antacids. Proton pump inhibitors (PPI’S) such as pantoprazole sodium (brand name Protium) are the most effective prescription GERD medications for more serious gastroesophageal reflux disease. Proton pump inhibitors can relieve symptoms and heal the esophageal lining in almost every case.

Life style changes include stopping smoking, losing weight, and elevating the head of your bed 6 to 8 inches. Avoid foods and beverages that trigger symptoms, eat slowly, eat small frequent meals, don’t eat late at night, and avoid lying down for three hours after a meal. Foods to avoid include citrus fruit, onion and garlic, mint, chocolate, cheese, eggs, fatty and fried foods, vinegar, spicy foods and tomato-based foods like spaghetti sauce, chili, salsa and pizza. Drink lots of water to help offset acidity and aid digestion. Avoid beverages containing caffeine, carbonated drinks and alcohol. Don’t wear belts or clothes that fit tightly around the waist, and avoid bending over.

People with GERD symptoms should seek medical advice before treating themselves with GERD meds. Heart attacks can cause chest pressure and heartburn similar to GERD symptoms. Ulcers can also cause similar symptoms.