--- title: "Antacids and reflux medicines: Uses & Side Effects" description: "Antacids ease heartburn by neutralising stomach acid, while other reflux medicines reduce acid production for longer-lasting, slower relief." url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/antacids-and-reflux-medicines/ robots: noindex --- # Antacids and reflux medicines: Uses & Side Effects Treatments Antacids ease heartburn by neutralising stomach acid, while other reflux medicines reduce acid production for longer-lasting, slower relief. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 3 July 2026 ## Quick answer What are antacids and reflux medicines used for? Antacids and reflux medicines ease heartburn and indigestion caused by stomach acid. Antacids neutralise acid for fast, short-term relief, while other medicines reduce how much acid the stomach makes. They help symptoms, but persistent heartburn should be checked by a GP rather than treated indefinitely. ## Who is this page for? This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Antacids and reflux medicines, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally. ## Who should skip this page? Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. On this page 5 sections ## Key facts about antacids and reflux medicines - Antacids neutralise stomach acid for fast, short-term relief. - Other medicines reduce how much acid the stomach produces. - They ease heartburn, indigestion and acid reflux symptoms. - Persistent heartburn should be assessed rather than treated long term unchecked. ## What are antacids and reflux medicines? These are medicines that ease the discomfort of heartburn, indigestion and acid reflux — symptoms caused by stomach acid. There are a few different types, which work in different ways, and most are available from a pharmacy as well as on prescription. ## How antacids and reflux medicines work - Antacids neutralise stomach acid that is already there, giving quick but short-lived relief. They suit occasional heartburn. - Acid-reducing medicines lower the amount of acid the stomach makes. They take a little longer to work but last longer, and are used for more frequent or persistent symptoms. A pharmacist can help you choose the right option for how often and how severely you get symptoms. ## Using antacids and reflux medicines For occasional heartburn, an antacid taken when symptoms strike is often enough. For more regular symptoms, a longer-acting medicine may be more suitable. Follow the instructions on the packet or your prescription, and tell a pharmacist about other medicines you take, as some can interact. ## Self-help alongside medicines Medicines work best alongside simple changes: eat smaller meals, avoid eating late, cut down on triggers like fatty or spicy food, alcohol and caffeine, lose excess weight if needed, stop smoking, and try raising the head of your bed. These tackle the cause rather than just the symptom. ## When to see a GP about heartburn Heartburn is usually harmless, but see a GP if you need these medicines most days, if symptoms last three weeks or more, or if they continue despite treatment. Seek prompt advice for difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss or vomiting — and always treat sudden, severe chest pain as a possible emergency. ## ! Important safety information for antacids and reflux medicines See a GP if you need these medicines most days, if heartburn lasts 3 weeks or more, or if symptoms continue despite treatment. See a GP promptly if you have difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, or are being sick. Call **999** for chest pain that spreads to the arm, neck or jaw, or chest pain with sweating or breathlessness — this could be a heart problem, not heartburn. ## Common questions about antacids and reflux medicines What is the difference between antacids and other reflux medicines? Antacids work quickly by neutralising acid that is already in the stomach, giving short-term relief. Other medicines — such as those that reduce acid production — work more slowly but last longer, and are used for more frequent or persistent symptoms. A pharmacist can advise which suits you. How quickly do antacids work? Antacids usually work within minutes, which makes them useful for occasional, sudden heartburn. Because the relief is short-lived, they are best for now-and-then symptoms rather than daily use. Can I take reflux medicines long term? Some people do take acid-reducing medicines longer term under medical guidance. But ongoing heartburn that needs daily treatment should be reviewed by a GP, both to find the cause and to make sure nothing else needs attention. What else helps with heartburn besides medicines? Eating smaller meals, not eating close to bedtime, cutting down on triggers (such as fatty or spicy foods, alcohol and caffeine), losing excess weight, stopping smoking and raising the head of the bed can all reduce symptoms. ## Sources - [NHS — Heartburn and acid reflux](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heartburn-and-acid-reflux/)