Types

• Acid reflux and gas medications can be divided into a few categories, including proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, pantoprazole), gastric h2 receptor blockers (rantidine), antacids, alginic acid, prokinestics (metoclopramide), sucralfate and mosapride citrate.
  
  

Action

• Proton pump inhibitors and gastric h2 receptor blockers reduce production of acid. Antacids reduce the acidity of fluids in the gastrointestinal tract. Other medications may act in a similar manner as these or by increasing the rate of gastric emptying.
  
  

Children

• Many acid reflux medications may be prescribed to children. These include proton pump inhibitors, gastric h2 receptor blockers and antacids. Consult with a physician to discuss the appropriateness of using a medication for acid reflux and gas in children.
  
  

Side Effects

• Common side effects of acid reflux and gas medications include headache, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and rash. Metoclopramide may cause tardive dyskinesia.
  
  

Alternatives

• Changes in diet and exercise and other lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, may reduce the risk of developing acid reflux disease and may help reduce symptoms of bloating.