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If you need urgent assistance, do not use this service. Call 111, or in an emergency call 999.
Effective acid reflux treatment starts with reducing stomach acid and relieving symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole and lansoprazole are the most trusted solutions — delivering fast, long-lasting relief from GORD.
The best treatment for you depends on how often your symptoms flare up and how severe they are.
Omeprazole, lansoprazole, esomeprazole, and pantoprazole are the most effective treatments for acid reflux and GORD. They work by reducing stomach acid production and giving the oesophagus time to heal.
👉 Most people feel improvement within 1–4 days, with full relief in 1–2 weeks.
Our clinicians may recommend one of the treatment options below, depending on your symptoms, medical history, and whether the treatment is appropriate for you.





| Treatment | How it works | Best for | How quickly it works | Duration of action | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omeprazole (PPI) | Reduces stomach acid by blocking proton pumps | Frequent or severe acid reflux (GORD) | 1–4 days (full effect 1–2 weeks) | 24 hours+ | Omeprazole 20mg / 40mg |
| Lansoprazole (PPI) | Reduces stomach acid production (similar to omeprazole) | Frequent symptoms or alternative if omeprazole not suitable | 1–4 days (full effect 1–2 weeks) | 24 hours+ | Lansoprazole 15mg / 30mg |
| Esomeprazole (PPI) | More bioavailable PPI for stronger acid suppression | Persistent or severe GORD | 1–4 days (full effect 1–2 weeks) | 24 hours+ | Esomeprazole 20mg / 40mg |
| H2 blockers | Reduce acid via histamine receptors | Mild to moderate symptoms | Within hours | 6–12 hours | Famotidine |
| Alginates | Form a barrier to prevent acid reflux | Occasional heartburn, after meals | Immediate | Up to 4 hours | Gaviscon Advance |
Not sure which option is right for you?
Complete a short consultation so our clinicians can understand your symptoms and recommend the right treatment.
A prescriber checks whether treatment is clinically safe and appropriate for you.
If approved, your treatment is dispensed and delivered in plain packaging.
To improve results from your acid reflux treatment:
→ Choose Omeprazole Standard first choice for acid reflux treatment Effective for most people Widely prescribed and well tolerated
Omeprazole→ Choose Lansoprazole Similar effectiveness Often used if omeprazole isn’t suitable Alternative first-line option
Lansoprazole→ Choose Esomeprazole Stronger acid suppression More effective in resistant symptoms Often used for ongoing or severe reflux
EsomeprazoleBest starting option: Omeprazole Guide
Alternative option: Lansoprazole Guide
Stronger treatment: Esomeprazole Guide
Still unsure?
Complete a short online consultation and a UK prescriber will recommend the most suitable acid reflux treatment based on your symptoms and medical history.
The best acid reflux treatment in the UK are proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole or lansoprazole. These are the most effective medications for reducing stomach acid and treating GORD.
If you're unsure which treatment is right for you, one of our UK prescribers can help. For long-term treatment, we recommend speaking with your GP.
The best medication for heartburn treatment is a PPI such as omeprazole. Alginates such as Gaviscon can also provide fast relief for occasional symptoms.
Acid reflux treatment may not work if it isn't taken correctly — PPIs, for example, are most effective when taken 30–60 minutes before a meal. If your symptoms are more severe, a higher dose or different medication may be needed. A prescriber can help you find the right option.
Milder, occasional heartburn can sometimes be managed with over-the-counter options like Gaviscon. However, the treatments on this page — including omeprazole, lansoprazole and esomeprazole — are prescription-strength and require a short consultation with one of our UK-registered prescribers first.
Helpful reads related to this treatment area.
Start a short online consultation and our clinical team will review whether treatment is suitable for you.