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 What is heartburn? Heartburn is a painful, burning sensation in the lower chest or throat that occurs when stomach acid backs up (or 'refluxes') into, and irritates the sensitive lining of the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. Normally, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) acts like a door, letting food through the esophagus and down into the stomach while preventing stomach acids from coming back up into the esophagus. When the LES becomes too relaxed, it can allow stomach acid to flow backward into the esophagus, resulting in heartburn. Who gets
heartburn? Although frequent heartburn symptoms can be reduced with traditional over-the-counter (OTC) medications, only one type of OTC medication is specifically indicated to treat frequent heartburn; the proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Omeprazole delayed release tablets 20 mg is the only PPI available as a store-brand OTC medication, delivering the same medicine at the same dose as Prilosec OTC®. The active ingredient in OTC Omeprazole tablets is also available in prescription Prilosec®. All other PPIs are available by prescription only. Consuming citrus fruits, fatty or spicy foods, chocolate, peppermint, tomatoes, raw onions and garlic, and caffeinated, carbonated, or alcoholic beverages can contribute to heartburn. Eating large portions and eating before bedtime, and lying down or bending over on a full stomach, can also increase the likelihood of experiencing heartburn. One daily
pill treats frequent heartburn for up to 24 hours when taken as part of
a 14-day course of treatment -- or as directed by your doctor* |
