Pepcid-Heartbrn Treatment

Stomach acid is a digestive fluid which is responsible for the digestion of food in the stomach. It is produced by the cells which are found in the lining of the stomach and there are complicated mechanisms that prevent the stomach acid from hurting the stomach itself and other organs. We would not be able to digest food properly without stomach acid (or gastric acid as it is also known), but there are medical conditions that result in an increased production of stomach acid which can then harm the stomach, the duodenum and even esophagus. In such cases, it is very important to inhibit the production of stomach acid.

The most common medical condition that is caused by overproduction of gastric acid is peptic ulcer. This condition is caused by an inflammation which is in most cases caused by a strain of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori. This inflammation causes the overproduction of gastrin which in turn causes too much gastric acid to be produced which then harms the stomach or the duodenum. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition in which is characterized by heartburn and which happens when stomach acid goes up into the esophagus and causes detrimental effects there.

What Pepcid can do against these conditions?

Pepcid is a drug that belongs to the H2-receptor antagonist group of medications which prevent the overproduction of stomach acid and therefore help treat all of the conditions that are caused by it. These drugs are alternative to proton pump inhibitor drugs which are also used for the same purpose. It has to be noted that some preparations of Pepcid are available over the counter, while the larger doses still need to be prescribed. Other uses for Pepcid include prevention of postoperative nausea and also to reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonitis. Some patients who are taking NSAIDs are also prescribed with Pepcid, as prolonged use of NSAIDs can lead to peptic ulcers. There is also some data on the efficacy of Pepcid in decreasing the effect of chronic heart failure.

Approaching the Pepcid treatment the right way

There are a few things that you must d o in order to achieve the best results with your Pepcid treatment. First of all, you need to be as forthcoming as possible about your medical history when your doctor asks you. This way, you ensure that you will not be at risk when taking Pepcid. For example, people who have liver or kidney disease, who are suffering from stomach cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma can experience some problems when taking Pepcid, and the doctor needs to be made aware of these if you have them. If there are any questions about your treatment with Pepcid, you should ask your doctor, including any possible Pepcid side effects, interactions or further precautions you need to take when taking Pepcid. This way, you can be absolutely sure that Pepcid will have all the beneficial effects to your health it can.