The Best OTC Drugs for Heartburn and Upset Stomach

Did you eat something that didn't agree with you or did you just eat too much? Maybe your chest burns after you eat that spicy meal. There is help. Read this article and find out the best over-the-counter (OTC) solutions for heartburn and upset stomach.

1. Pepto-Bismol. We've all heard the tagline, "It coats, soothes, relieves." Pepto-Bismol has come a long way as far as advertising, but it is just as effective as always. The pink liquid also comes in a pink pill and a children's formula. For upset stomach, diarrhea, heartburn, and acid indigestion, Pepto-Bismol offers fast relief.

2. Alka-Seltzer. "Plop, plop, fizz, fizz, oh what a relief it is!" Alka-Seltzer has been around for seventy-five years easing upset stomach, heartburn, and acid indigestion. With Alka-Seltzer, two effervescent tablets in a glass of water are all it takes to fix those tummy problems. The fizzy tablets come in original flavor, lemon-lime, and spearmint flavored chewable tablets. If you have headache along with your upset stomach, Alka-Seltzer makes a formula for that, too. Choose the Alka-Seltzer remedy that's right for you.

3. Mylanta. Johnson and Johnson has developed a line of Mylanta products in different strengths that neutralize stomach acid to relieve upset stomach and heartburn. Two to four teaspoonfuls is all you need. Take it before meals to prevent symptoms and at bedtime to alleviate them. Mylanta comes in Original, Cherry, Mint, and Orange Crème flavors.

4. Prilosec OTC. Prilosec OTC is for frequent heartburn sufferers. If you have heartburn more than twice a week, try Prilosec. It is not for quick relief. Taking one pill each day over a fourteen day period will ease the pain of frequent heartburn.

5. Pepcid AC. If you suffer from heartburn when you eat or drink certain foods or liquids, use Pepcid AC ahead of time to enjoy your favorite meals and prevent heartburn from occurring. Pepcid AC comes in chewable tablets for those who don't swallow pills and easy-to-swallow gelcaps and tablets. Take one tablet or gelcap fifteen minutes to an hour before the meal. If you forget to take Pepcid AC or you are just finding out that Chinese food inflames your stomach, try Pepcid Complete to relieve the heartburn and its related symptoms.

6. Tums. Tums begins to act as soon as heartburn strikes. Take two to four flavored chewable tablets to neutralize stomach acid and experience fast relief of heartburn symptoms. For women, Tums with Calcium helps to maintain healthy bones and teeth and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Upset stomach and heartburn are uncomfortable. Choose any of these products that are right for you and find relief for the pain.