Chronic Care

GERD treatment and medication available online

Managing acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease has never been more convenient. Book an appointment online and be on your way to decreasing acid reflux pain, indigestion, and chronic heartburn. Get a new prescription or refill an existing GERD prescription today.*

Written by PlushCare Content Team Last updated: 05/20/2025

Medically reviewed by Carlo Manzana, MD on 09/15/2023

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GERD and acid reflux medication

Over-the-counter medications, such as antacids and some H-2 receptor blockers, can help relieve mild symptoms of GERD. However, our doctors offer several prescription medication options for more persistent symptoms. These medications can also prevent GERD symptoms from occurring.

H-2 receptor blockers:

Prescription-strength H-2 receptor blockers, a type of antihistamine, provide long-term symptom relief and help decrease acid production in the upper GI tract for up to 12 hours. These include prescription-strength famotidine and nizatidine.

Proton pump inhibitors:

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are more potent acid blockers than H-2 blockers, allowing time for damaged esophageal tissue to heal. Prescription options include:

Protonix (pantoprazole) Nexium (esomeprazole) Aciphex (rabeprazole)

Our doctors may also recommend over-the-counter PPIs, including Prilosec (omeprazole).

What is the difference between GERD and acid reflux?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach contents constantly move back into your esophagus. This backwash (acid reflux) often contains excessive stomach acid, which can irritate your esophagus and cause persistent heartburn. Some risk factors that may cause GERD include being overweight, overeating, and consuming fatty foods.

Many people experience acid reflux, heartburn, and indigestion occasionally. The most common cause of acid reflux is consuming fatty or acidic foods. However, if acid reflux happens repeatedly, you may have GERD.

GERD can lead to complications and more severe health problems, such as Barrett's esophagus, and can even increase the risk of esophageal cancer, if left untreated. Fortunately, our trusted doctors can walk you through several options to help manage your condition.

If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, and jaw or arm pain, seek immediate medical attention. These may be signs and symptoms of a heart attack.

Book an appointment with one of our doctors if you:

Experience severe or frequent symptoms of heartburn
Take over-the-counter medications for heartburn/acid reflux more than twice a week
Experience difficulty swallowing, sore throat, or frequent regurgitation

GERD and acid reflux FAQs

How to cure GERD permanently?

The best way to prevent GERD symptoms is by making healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight. With proper management, including lifestyle modifications and prescription medications, you may be able to treat GERD fully. Our doctors can work with you on a holistic treatment plan to manage your GERD.

What to eat with GERD?

Certain foods can help improve symptoms and reduce acid reflux, including

High-fiber foods (oatmeal, brown rice, root vegetables)
Alkaline foods (bananas, melons, cauliflower)
Watery foods (watermelon, lettuce, herbal tea)

How do you test for GERD?

Our physicians may be able to conduct an initial evaluation of your symptoms to determine if you may have GERD based on your symptoms and medical history. They may also start you on a trial of proton pump inhibitor medications to see if your symptoms improve, which would support a diagnosis of GERD. However, for more severe cases, our doctors may need to refer you to a local specialist for further testing, including an endoscopy, pH monitoring, and other exams.

Step 1

Book a GERD treatment appointment.

Book a same day appointment from anywhere.

Step 2

Talk to your clinician regarding your GERD symptoms.

Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.

Step 3

Pick up your medication for GERD.

We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy. Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion.

Related conditions to GERD

Heartburn

Frequent heartburn is one of the main GERD symptoms.

Hernia (hiatal)

Hiatal hernias can cause acid reflux and GERD symptoms like heartburn due to the weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter.

Gastritis

Gastritis can worsen GERD symptoms by increasing sensitivity to acid reflux.

Irritable bowel syndrome

Patients with IBS might be more likely to have GERD, and vice versa. This may be due to both conditions sharing root issues related to gut sensitivity.

Crohn's disease

Those with Crohn's may be more likely to develop GERD. This could be because of the inflammatory effects of Crohn's disease, which can affect the GI tract.

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Sources:

PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.

Cleveland Clinic. GERD (Chronic Acid Reflux). Accessed on July 24, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17019-gerd-or-acid-reflux-or-heartburn-overview
Harvard Health. 9 at-home treatments for acid reflux. Accessed on July 24, 2023. https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/9-ways-to-relieve-acid-reflux-without-medication
Mayo Clinic. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Accessed on July 24, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/in-depth/osteoporosis-treatment/art-20046869

PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.

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