Omeprazol
Omez · Losec
See pricesHeartburn — what to take?
Heartburn (pyrosis) = a retrosternal burning sensation rising from the epigastrium toward the throat. Main cause: gastroesophageal reflux. 20-40% of the population have occasional episodes.
Also known as:
pyrosis
retrosternal burning
esophageal burning
6
recommended OTC drugs
8,260
pharmacies available
In short: heartburn usually improves with over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. On HartaFarmacii there are 6 commonly used options: Omeprazol, Esomeprazol, Alginat, Famotidina, Hidroxid aluminiu + magneziu, Calciu carbonat. For each one you can compare the price across the Dr. Max, Tei, Catena and HelpNet chains and see which of the 8,260 pharmacies near you has it in stock, with prices updated daily. OTC treatment is suitable for mild, short-lived forms. See a doctor if signs such as progressive dysphagia; weight loss appear. This information is for general guidance only, is not medical advice and does not replace a specialist consultation — for a diagnosis, or if symptoms persist or worsen, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Data verified on from public sources (OpenStreetMap, chain websites, ANM/MS) — updated daily.
OTC — no prescription
What you can take for heartburn
Esomeprazol
Nexium Control
See pricesAlginat
Gaviscon
See pricesFamotidina
Famodin · Quamatel
See pricesHidroxid aluminiu + magneziu
Maalox · Almagel
See pricesCalciu carbonat
Rennie
See pricesInformational only — HartaFarmacii is not an approved medical site. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. Don't self-medicate. Emergencies: 112.
When to see a doctor
If any of these signs appear, consult a doctor — OTC treatment is not enough:
- Progressive dysphagia
- Weight loss
- Gastrointestinal bleeding (vomiting blood, black stools)
- New symptoms over the age of 55
- Resistance to PPIs for 4-8 weeks
Mechanism and triggers
The lower esophageal sphincter relaxes inappropriately, allowing acid to rise. Triggers: large meals, fatty/spicy foods, coffee, alcohol, chocolate, mint, citrus, smoking, lying down immediately after a meal, obesity, pregnancy, medications (NSAIDs, calcium antagonists).
OTC treatment
Antacids — aluminum+magnesium hydroxide (Maalox, Almagel), calcium carbonate (Rennie). Rapid effect, lasting 1-3h. Useful for occasional episodes.
Alginate (Gaviscon) — a floating layer that blocks reflux. Excellent after meals. Can be combined with an antacid.
H2 blockers — famotidine (Famodin, Quamatel). Lasting 8-12h. Useful preventively before a trigger meal.
PPIs — omeprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole. For frequent symptoms (more than 2-3 times/week). Taken in the morning, 30 min before a meal.
Lifestyle measures
- Raise the head of the bed 15-20 cm.
- Do not lie down for the first 2-3h after a meal.
- Lose weight if necessary.
- Small, frequent meals.
- Identify and avoid personal triggers.
- Quit smoking, limit alcohol.
When investigations are needed
Heartburn persisting beyond 4-8 weeks despite PPIs, dysphagia, weight loss, gastrointestinal bleeding, anemia, age over 55 with new symptoms — all indicate endoscopy.
Medical disclaimer: the information in this guide is for informational purposes and does not replace the advice of a doctor or pharmacist. For diagnosis and treatment, consult a healthcare professional.
Medicines compared
Medicines used for heartburn
This list is for guidance only, generated automatically from the DCI/category match. It is not a medical recommendation — consult your doctor before starting any treatment.
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Ceai pufulita cu flori mici U89, 20 plicuri, Fares
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Ceai Curatarea Colonului, 20 plicuri, Fares
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Ceai Chimion, 50g, Fares
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Ceai Laxativ, 50g, Fares
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Fluid cu protectie solara SPF 50+ pentru copii Photoderm Pediatrics Mineral, 50g, Bioderma
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Mastic Gum Solaray, 1000 mg, 45 capsule, Secom
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Omni Biotic Panda, 30 plicuri, Institut Allergosan
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Ceai Babycalm, 20 plicuri, Fares
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Ceai Hemorlax, 50g, Fares
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Ceai Gastric D62, 50g, Fares
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Clorocalcin, 50 ml, Biofarm
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Caldefix 1000mg/ 880 ui, 20 comprimate efervescente, Recordati
This list is not a medical recommendation. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Search the pharmacy
Medicines for heartburn
Beyond the OTC products listed above, you can search the comparator by active ingredient and see prices compared across Dr. Max, Catena, Tei, HelpNet and the rest of the chains in our network.
Step by step
How to find a pharmacy fast for heartburn
Open the interactive map and grant location permission — you'll immediately see pharmacies sorted by distance, each with its opening hours and a one-tap route in Google Maps. If it's night or a weekend, switch on the 24/7 filter to keep only the on-call ones. For heartburn most of the listed remedies are over the counter, so you can walk in without a prescription, but check stock and prices on the comparator page first to avoid wasted trips.
If you have a preferred active ingredient (paracetamol, ibuprofen, etc.), search it in the comparator before you leave — you'll see which chain has it cheapest near you and whether it's in stock. For chronic prescriptions, save your favourite pharmacy in the app and turn on hours notifications — it saves unnecessary trips, especially when treatment for heartburn runs over weeks.
See also
Related symptoms and conditions
Frequently asked
What else do you want to know?
- Antacid or omeprazole?
- Occasional episodes — antacid. Frequent symptoms (2-3 times/week) — omeprazole. Preventing post-meal symptoms — Gaviscon.
- How long do I take omeprazole?
- Self-medication — maximum 14 days. If symptoms return, consult your doctor for evaluation and a long-term strategy.
- What foods should I avoid?
- Fats, fried foods, spicy foods, coffee, chocolate, mint, orange juice, concentrated tomatoes, alcohol, carbonated drinks.
- Can reflux lead to cancer?
- Left chronically untreated — it can cause Barrett's esophagus, with a risk of adenocarcinoma. That is why endoscopy is important for prolonged symptoms.
See also
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