Condition guide
Heartburn
Burning chest pain after meals keeping you uncomfortable? Discover which antacid or acid reducer works best for your heartburn symptoms.
Find the right medicineTreatment and relief options
- Antacids (quick relief for occasional heartburn)
- PPIs (omeprazole) for frequent heartburn: limit to 14-day course; note drug interactions (clopidogrel); see GP if ongoing
- H2 blockers: another acid-reducing option, sometimes recommended for people who can't take PPIs — ask your pharmacist
- Avoid trigger foods (spicy, fatty, acidic)
- Eat smaller meals and avoid lying down after eating
When to get help
- Chest pain with shortness of breath or arm pain
- Difficulty swallowing or painful swallowing
- Persistent vomiting or vomiting blood
- Unintentional weight loss
- Heartburn more than twice weekly for several weeks
Good to know
Heartburn, reflux or indigestion?
Heartburn is a symptom: a burning pain or discomfort in the chest, often after a meal or when you lie down or bend over, that can feel as if it is rising towards your neck or throat. It happens when stomach acid moves up into the oesophagus. If it happens 2 times a week or more, see your doctor, because it could be gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), the ongoing condition covered on our acid reflux page. Discomfort centred in the upper tummy, with feeling full too soon, burping or bloating, is closer to indigestion.
Getting the most from occasional relief
Wait about 3 hours after eating before lying down, and avoid vigorous exercise soon after a meal. Loose clothing, stopping smoking and losing weight if you are overweight can also help. Antacids neutralise stomach acid, while low-dose proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) from a pharmacy work best taken 30 to 60 minutes before a meal. Ask a pharmacist before using either if you are pregnant or take other medicines, and see your doctor if over-the-counter medicines don't help or you find yourself relying on them.
Not sure it's heartburn? If you have chest pain and can't tell whether it is heartburn or a heart attack, call Triple Zero (000), and see our chest pain page.
Sources: healthdirect — Heartburn; healthdirect — Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD); healthdirect — Indigestion
Frequently asked questions
Antacids (e.g., Gaviscon, Mylanta) work within minutes but last 1-2 hours.
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Medical disclaimer
This information is general in nature and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about what’s right for you.