Acid Suppression Therapy (GERD)

⚕️ Acid Suppression Therapy in Gastroenterology: Key Molecules & Brands in India

🔹 Introduction

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), peptic ulcer disease, gastritis aur acid-related disorders bahut common problems hain. Inka primary cause hota hai excess stomach acid aur mucosal damage.

Treatment ka main goal hai:

  • Acid secretion ko control karna
  • Ulcer healing ko promote karna
  • Symptoms (heartburn, acidity, pain) ko relieve karna
  • Recurrence aur complications (bleeding, perforation) ko prevent karna

Doctors iske liye acid suppression drugs prescribe karte hain, jisme sabse important classes hain – Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), H2 Receptor Blockers, aur Potassium-Competitive Acid Blockers (P-CABs).

🔹 1. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

✦ Omeprazole

  • Brands: Omez, Prilosec
  • Use: First-generation PPI, effective in GERD, gastritis, and peptic ulcers
  • Note: Shorter half-life compared to newer PPIs

✦ Pantoprazole

  • Brands: Pantocid, Protonix
  • Use: Widely used PPI, effective in GERD and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
  • Note: High safety profile, IV form available (for hospitalized patients)

✦ Rabeprazole

  • Brands: Razo, AcipHex
  • Use: Quick onset of action, used in GERD, erosive esophagitis
  • Note: Sometimes preferred in H. pylori eradication regimens

✦ Esomeprazole

  • Brands: Nexpro, Nexium
  • Use: S-isomer of omeprazole, more potent acid suppression
  • Note: Better symptom control in severe GERD cases

✦ Lansoprazole

  • Brands: Lan-20, Prevacid
  • Use: Alternative PPI, used for ulcer healing and GERD
  • Note: Less commonly used compared to pantoprazole or esomeprazole

🔹 2. H2 Receptor Antagonists

✦ Ranitidine (now rarely used)

  • Brand: Rantac
  • Use: Earlier popular for acidity & ulcer, now limited due to safety concerns (NDMA impurity issue)
  • Note: Mostly replaced by PPIs and safer alternatives

✦ Famotidine

  • Brands: Famon, Pepcid
  • Use: Mild to moderate acidity, GERD, and stress-induced gastritis
  • Note: Still used as an alternative in patients intolerant to PPIs

🔹 3. Potassium-Competitive Acid Blockers (P-CABs)

✦ Vonoprazan

  • Brand: Takecab
  • Use: Newer acid blocker, faster and longer-lasting suppression than PPIs
  • Note: Limited availability in India, promising in resistant GERD and H. pylori eradication

📝 Conclusion

Acid suppression therapy ka backbone hai PPIs (Pantoprazole, Esomeprazole most commonly used).

  • H2 blockers (Famotidine) mild cases ya PPI intolerance mein kaam aate hain.
  • P-CABs (Vonoprazan) ek modern option hain jo future mein zyada use ho sakte hain.

Correct drug choice depend karta hai patient ke symptoms, severity aur doctor ke clinical judgment par.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified gastroenterologist before starting or changing any acid suppression therapy.

Scroll to Top