Heartburn and Ulcer Medicine Can be Causing Vitamin B-12 Deficiency!

There are a lot of different medications that work by reducing the amount of acid in your stomach. Some are called Histamine 2 (H2) blockers and are now available over the counter. This class includes popular brands like Zantac (Ranitidine), or Axid (Nizatidine). These products work by blocking the H2 receptor-site and consequently reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces. There is also a more powerful class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors. One of these products, Prilosec OTC is available over the counter while the rest are available by prescription only. These products include Nexium (Esomeprazole), Prilosec (Omeprazole), Aciphex (Rabeprazole), Prevacid (Lansoprazole), Protonix (Pantoprazole). Proton pump inhibitors work exactly as the name implies,they inhibit the proton pumps in the stomach from producing acid. These products are very effective at lower the level of acid in the stomach and reducing symptoms of GERD, reflux, and stomach ulcers. These are relatively safe products that don