There are 3 main types of heartburn relief products you can buy at the store without a prescription that offer a range from quick relief to longer-lasting relief:
Antacids neutralize the acid in your stomach, but don’t stop your stomach from making more. Antacids start neutralizing acid in seconds, and may last up to 2 hours on a full stomach.
Histamine-2 blockers (H2 blockers) lower the amount of acid that your stomach produces, giving you lasting relief that goes to work quickly. PEPCID® is an H2 blocker. Both Original Strength and Maximum Strength PEPCID AC® begin to work in 15-30 minutes, and help control acid all day or all night.* Dual Action PEPCID COMPLETE® combines an H2 blocker with an antacid, so it starts neutralizing acid in seconds, but has the long-lasting relief of an H2 blocker.
*Based on 9-hour acid control studies during the day and 12-hour acid control studies during the night. Acid control does not imply symptom relief.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) work by shutting down pumps that release acid into your stomach. PPIs are not intended for immediate relief of heartburn. They may take 1–4 days for full effect, and require daily dosing for 14 days.
Learn more about how PEPCID® compares to other types of heartburn relief.
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