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BE SMART ABOUT SYMPTOMS

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DO YOU SUFFER FROM1,2 ...

Acid reflux? 

Occurs when food moves back up from your stomach to your oesophagus and throat

Heartburn?

Is triggered by acid reflux and accompanied by a burning sensation in the breastbone, neck or throat

GORD? (Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease)
Induces heartburn more persistently because the sphincter in the lower oesophagus has weakened or relaxed inappropriately
 

WHAT IS HEARTBURN?1,2

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Heartburn is a painful, burning feeling in the middle of your chest. It’s not really in your heart, though. It’s caused by stomach acid rising into your oesophagus (reflux), which runs through your chest, close to your heart.

HEARTBURN SYMPTOMS2

The main symptoms of acid reflux are:

  • Heartburn: a burning sensation in your chest 
  • An unpleasant sour taste in your mouth, caused by stomach acid

You may also have:

  • A cough or hiccups that keep coming back
  • A hoarse voice
  • Bad breath
  • Bloating and feeling sick

ACID REFLUX: CAUSE1

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Acid reflux is when the contents of your stomach – like food or acids – go in the wrong direction. They travel from your stomach back to your throat through the tube connecting them, your oesophagus.

When you have acid reflux, you may taste food or stomach acid in the back of your mouth. This can be uncomfortable and make you feel sick. A more serious version of acid reflux is known as GORD.

HEARTBURN: CAUSES2

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Lots of people get heartburn from time to time. There’s often no obvious reason why. Sometimes it’s caused or made worse by:

  • Being overweight, pregnant or stressed
  • Smoking and drinking
  • Acidic, fatty or spicy foods and drinks (coffee, tomatoes or chocolate)
  • A hiatus hernia, stomach ulcer or bacterial gut infection

THINK SMART ABOUT OTC PPIs

MEDICATIONS THAT TREAT HEARTBURN

Antacids: Liquids or chewable tablets that counteract and neutralise the acid in your stomach. Antacids can relieve symptoms, but do not treat the underlying cause and are not recommended long term.2,3

Alginates: A type of carbohydrate in seaweed. Alginates form a gel-like substance that floats on top of stomach acids, acting as a physical barrier to keep them from rising into the oesophagus. They can be used for symptom maintenance or immediate relief.2,4

Acid-supressing medications: Reduce how much acid your stomach actually makes, through a blocking action.5,6
They include:

  • Histamine-2 receptor antagonists: Block H2 from binding to cells that cause the stomach to secrete acid (when your body releases H2 after eating)5
  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): Block the ATPase enzyme (the hydrogen-potassium or proton pump) that produces stomach acid by preventing it from completing the chemical processes needed to do so6
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WHAT ARE PPIs?6,7

Medicines available over the counter (OTC) or by prescription that decrease stomach acid production, but not entirely – you’ll still have enough to digest food. PPIs primarily treat conditions that arise when stomach acid irritates or damages parts of your digestive system (stomach, duodenum or oesophagus). PPIs reduce gastric acidity most effectively when taken 30–60 minutes before meals.

HOW DO PPIs HELP ME?6

Proton pump inhibitors:

  • Relieve symptoms of acid reflux or a more serious version of it, known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
  • Treat duodenal or peptic ulcers
  • Work with antibiotics to kill a bacterial infection of the gut

MAKE THE SMART CHOICE

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PROTON PUMP INHIBITORS (PPIs):

PPIs are listed in the South African Essential Medicines List for acid-related diseases.8

The ingredient in Dr. Reddy's OTC heartburn medication has been extensively studied and used worldwide, confirming it is:9

  • Effective in providing symptom relief and control of heartburn
  • Well tolerated
  • Affordable
  • Approved to treat most acid-related conditions
  • 78 % of patients report satisfaction with treatment

In trials evaluating its efficacy for 14 days in the treatment of frequent heartburn, one day after the first 20 mg dose it was found that:10

  • Nearly 50 % of patients reported no heartburn
  • 81 % of patients reported no more than mild heartburn

Temporary, short-term relief of heartburn and hyperacidity in adults11

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  • One capsule taken once daily*11
  • Clinically proven to control frequent heartburn symptoms10
  • Offers 24-hour relief from heartburn10


Make The Smart Choice today and ask your pharmacist about the OTC heartburn medication from Dr. Reddy’s.11

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LIFESTYLE TIPS FOR HEARTBURN MANAGEMENT2,8

  • Do not eat within 3 or 4 hours before bed
  • Do not wear tight clothes around your waist
  • Do not smoke or drink too much alcohol
  • Do not ingest anything that triggers your symptoms 
  • Eat smaller, more frequent meals 
  • Lose weight if you’re overweight
  • Find ways to relax

*Do not use continuously for more than 14 days without consulting a doctor11 

References: 1. NIH. Heartburn. Acid Reflux, Heartburn and GERD: What’s the difference? Available at: https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/acid-reflux-heartburn-and-gerd-whats-the-difference#:~:text=Like%20its%20name%20suggests%2C%20GERD,relaxes%20when%20 it%20should%20not. [Accessed 08/04/2024]. 2. NHS. Heartburn and acid reflux. Available at: https:// www.nhs.uk/conditions/heartburn-and-acid-reflux/. [Accessed 08/04/2024]. 3. NHS. Antacids. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/antacids/. [Accessed 13/08/2025]. 4. Healthline. Do alginates treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/gerd/alginates-for-gerd. [Accessed 13/08/2025]. 5. Cleveland Clinic. H2 Blockers. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/h2-blockers. [Accessed 13/08/2025]. 6. Cleveland Clinic. Proton Pump Inhibitors. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/proton-pump-inhibitors. [Accessed 13/08/2025]. 7. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. BMJ Best Practice. 2024. 8. Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa. DOH. 2019. 9. Prasad MVG, McFarland LV, Thacker HP, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Omeprazole for the Treatment of Acid Peptic Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. International Journal of Clinical Practice. 2024; 1-13. 10. Allgood LD, Grender JM, Shaw MJ, et al. Comparison of omeprazole magnesium 20.6 mg to placebo for 14 days in the treatment of frequent heartburn. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2005; 30:105-112. 11. Data on file.

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories (Pty) Ltd., Block C, Woodmead North Office Park, 54 Maxwell Drive, Woodmead, Sandton, Gauteng, 2191. Reg.No.: 2002/014163/07. Tel: +27 11 324 2100. www.drreddys.co.za. R1375720-ZA-CO-21082025-0924