Stomach acid & reflux
Proton pump inhibitors and similar medicines for reflux, indigestion, and ulcers — UK hub with drug links and safe-use FAQs.
What are PPIs and acid reflux medicines?
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and related medicines reduce how much acid the stomach makes. In the UK they are commonly prescribed for acid reflux (GORD), stomach or duodenal ulcers, and sometimes as part of Helicobacter pylori treatment with antibiotics. They can relieve heartburn and help ulcers heal; your GP usually reviews how long you need them so treatment stays appropriate.
General UK information only — your GP, pharmacist, or specialist can personalise advice and check interactions with your prescriptions.
Quick answers
Short points people often scan before reading the full hub or speaking to a clinician.
What are they used for?
Reflux symptoms, acid-related chest or upper stomach discomfort, ulcer healing or prevention in selected patients, and acid suppression when combined with antibiotics for H. pylori as directed.
Common types
PPIs such as Omeprazole and Lansoprazole are the main group featured here. H2 blockers and antacids exist for other situations — your pharmacist can advise on short-term over-the-counter options.
Do you need them long term?
Some people need months or years under review; others use a short course only. Long-term PPIs should be checked periodically for ongoing need, bone health, and interactions.
Common side effects
Headache, gut upset, diarrhoea or constipation, and wind are relatively common. Serious allergy is rare. Report severe swallowing problems, weight loss, or bleeding symptoms urgently.
What are the most common acid reflux medications in the UK?
Omeprazole and Lansoprazole are widely used PPIs. Doctors choose dose and formulation based on symptoms, other medicines, and how you respond.
Over-the-counter antacids or alginates may help mild symptoms short term; persistent symptoms should be discussed with a pharmacist or GP.
See our Omeprazole vs Lansoprazole comparison for a high-level side-by-side overview.
What is the safest acid reflux medication?
For most people the safest option is the lowest effective dose for the shortest time that controls symptoms, with review for alarm features. PPIs are generally well tolerated but are not risk-free long term.
Kidney disease, osteoporosis risk, and interactions with drugs such as Clopidogrel or some HIV medicines need individual checks — your GP or pharmacist can advise.
Do not ignore red-flag symptoms by taking PPIs long term without investigation.
Can PPIs be stopped once symptoms settle?
Often a prescriber tries stepping down the dose or stopping after symptoms improve, sometimes with antacid cover — follow their plan rather than stopping abruptly if you have been on high doses.
Rebound acid symptoms can happen when stopping; your GP may taper slowly or suggest alternatives.
If symptoms return frequently, book a review rather than buying repeat supplies indefinitely without advice.
Medicines in this category
Open a guide for uses, side effects, interactions, and safety topics. Your prescriber chooses what is appropriate for you.
- Buscopan(hyoscine butylbromide)
Buscopan UK: antispasmodic for crampy gut pain, glaucoma and prostate cautions — general pharmacist information.
- Cyclizine(cyclizine)
Cyclizine UK: antihistamine anti-sickness for motion sickness, pregnancy sickness in hospital, sedation — general information.
- Esomeprazole(esomeprazole)
Esomeprazole UK: PPI for reflux and ulcers, long-term review, B12 and magnesium topics — general patient information.
- Famotidine(famotidine)
Famotidine UK: H2 blocker for reflux and ulcers, kidney dose adjustment, comparison with PPIs — general information.
- Gaviscon(sodium alginate + antacids)
Gaviscon UK: alginate reflux barrier after meals, short-term use, sodium content — general pharmacist-style information.
- Lactulose(lactulose)
Lactulose UK: osmotic laxative syrup for constipation and hepatic encephalopathy in hospital care — general patient information.
- Lansoprazole(lansoprazole)
Lansoprazole UK: PPI for acid reflux & ulcers, how to take, side effects, and warnings. Compare to omeprazole in plain language — ask your pharmacist.
- Macrogol(macrogol (polyethylene glycol))
Macrogol UK: osmotic laxative powder mixed with water, bowel prep uses, electrolyte sachets — general information.
- Mebeverine(mebeverine)
Mebeverine UK: antispasmodic for IBS cramps, modified-release capsules — general patient information.
- Metoclopramide(metoclopramide)
Metoclopramide UK: prokinetic antiemetic, short-course use, movement disorder risks — MHRA-style cautions in plain English.
- Movicol(macrogol with electrolytes)
Movicol UK: branded macrogol sachets for constipation, mixing instructions, paediatric variants — general information.
- Omeprazole(omeprazole)
Omeprazole (PPI): acid reflux and ulcer care, side effects, and cautions. UK general guidance — speak to your GP or pharmacist for personal advice.
- Ondansetron(ondansetron)
Ondansetron UK: anti-sickness for chemotherapy, surgery, and migraine-associated nausea when prescribed — QT cautions.
- Pantoprazole(pantoprazole)
Pantoprazole UK: PPI tablets or IV in hospital, acid suppression uses, monitoring — general information.
- Senna(senna)
Senna UK: stimulant laxative for short-term constipation, cramps, not for long-term use without review — general information.
Compare medicines in this topic
Side-by-side overviews for common search questions — not a prompt to switch treatment yourself.
More popular questions
Extra topics people ask about in search and in pharmacy consultations — check with your GP or pharmacist for advice tailored to you.
- What is the difference between omeprazole and lansoprazole?
- Both are PPIs that reduce acid in a similar way. Your prescriber or pharmacist may choose based on dose, formulation, cost, or how you tolerated a previous PPI.
- How long can I take a PPI for?
- Some people need a short course; others stay on treatment longer under review. Long-term use should be checked periodically so benefits still outweigh risks for you.
- Can I take ibuprofen if I have reflux?
- NSAIDs can irritate the stomach and are a common reason PPIs are co-prescribed — but Ibuprofen is not suitable for everyone. Ask your pharmacist or GP before combining painkillers with acid medicines.
- When should heartburn be seen by a GP urgently?
- Seek urgent advice for vomiting blood, black stools, severe pain, difficulty swallowing, or unintended weight loss — do not assume it is ‘just reflux’.