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This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.

Australian Prescriber is unable to comment on individual cases or give second opinions.

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Australian Prescriber Vol. 31 No. 1 2008

Heartburn

Heartburn can be made worse by certain foods and alcohol. A change of diet and giving up smoking may help improve symptoms. Losing weight may also help if you are overweight. Some people find raising the bedhead helps to reduce symptoms at night. If these approaches do not help, medicine may be needed as well.

Proton pump inhibitors are medicines used in the treatment of severe heartburn (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease). They are also used in the treatment of stomach ulcers.

Many people with heartburn do not need to take proton pump inhibitors continuously. Once the symptoms settle down it may be possible to reduce the dose of medicine. Some patients can stop the medicine and only take it again if their symptoms come back.

Proton pump inhibitors can cause headache and stomach upsets, but serious side effects are rare. People taking proton pump inhibitors continuously do need regular checks with their doctor.