Consumers and carers

Heartburn and reflux: manage your medicine

Heartburn and reflux medicines (proton pump inhibitors) are often only needed for a short time. Download a factsheet about managing heartburn and reflux.

Prescription medicine for heartburn and reflux, called a proton pump inhibitor, is often only needed for 4-8 weeks. If your symptoms are well managed, talk to your doctor about reviewing your medicine.

Do you need a medicine?

Acid reflux – also described as heartburn – is a condition where acid from the stomach moves up into your oesophagus (food pipe). Acid reflux is very common. Many people can control their symptoms by making lifestyle changes or by taking over-the-counter (non-prescription) medicines as needed. Some people with more regular or severe symptoms – people with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) – may need a prescription medicine known as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI).

PPI medicines work by reducing the amount of acid made by the stomach and are very effective at controlling symptoms of reflux and heartburn. However, PPIs should not be taken long term when not needed, because of the cost and possible side effects.

If you’ve been taking a PPI for more than 4–8 weeks, and your symptoms seem to be well managed, talk to your doctor about reviewing your medicine.

Your doctor may recommend ‘stepping down’ your treatment, which can include any of the following:

  • reduce your daily dose of medicine
  • limit your treatment so that you take medicine only when you experience the symptoms of heartburn and reflux (also known as on-demand therapy)
  • stop treatment completely as your symptoms may not return.

What can you do?

Making changes to your lifestyle may help control your symptoms and reduce the need for medicine.

Stop smoking

Discuss ways to quit smoking with your health professional, such as nicotine replacement therapies, or call the Quitline on 13 QUIT (13 78 48).

Other lifestyle changes

Identify and avoid foods and drinks that make your symptoms worse (e.g. fatty foods, spicy foods, chocolate, coffee, cola drinks, orange juice and alcohol). Avoid eating large or late meals and avoid lying down immediately after meals. If you experience symptoms that are worse at night and disrupt your sleep, try raising the head of your bed. If you are overweight, try losing some weight.

It's OK to ask questions

If you have questions about your symptoms or the medicines managing your symptoms, speak with your doctor or other healthcare provider.

5 Questions

5 questions to ask your doctor or other healthcare provider to make sure you end up with the right amount of care.

Find out more