Orders placed after 2pm on Friday 22nd May will be dispatched on Tuesday 26th May due to the Bank Holiday.
Acid Reflux Treatment
Online Prescriptions for GORD & Heartburn
Persistent heartburn and acid reflux can affect your comfort, sleep, appetite, and overall quality of life. When symptoms occur regularly, they may indicate gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), a common digestive condition seen frequently in UK primary care.
Pharmabee offers clinically appropriate, prescription-strength treatments for acid reflux and GORD following a secure online consultation reviewed by our team. There is no need to arrange a GP appointment.
If treatment is suitable, a private prescription is issued and your medication is delivered discreetly, often with next-day delivery available. Every consultation is assessed individually and medication is only supplied when clinically appropriate and safe for you.
What Is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus (the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach). The lining of the stomach is designed to handle acid, but the oesophagus is more sensitive. When acid repeatedly travels upwards, it can cause irritation and inflammation.
The most recognised symptom is heartburn — typically described as a burning sensation in the chest that may worsen after eating, bending over, or lying down. Occasional reflux is common, particularly after large or rich meals. When symptoms occur more than twice per week, or significantly interfere with daily life, the condition is often referred to as GORD, which affects an estimated 10–20% of adults in the UK.
Why Does Acid Reflux Happen?
There is a ring of muscle at the bottom of the oesophagus known as the lower oesophageal sphincter. This muscle acts as a valve, opening to allow food into the stomach and closing to prevent acid from rising back up. When this valve weakens or relaxes inappropriately, acid can escape into the oesophagus. Several factors can increase the likelihood of reflux, including:
- Being overweight
- Pregnancy
- Smoking
- Eating large or late meals
- Fatty, spicy, or acidic foods
- Excess alcohol or caffeine
- Hiatus hernia
- Certain medications
Symptoms of Acid Reflux & GORD
Symptoms vary between individuals. The most common include:
- Heartburn — burning sensation in the chest
- Acid regurgitation — sour or bitter taste
- Bloating or upper abdominal discomfort
- Nausea after eating
- Persistent cough
- Hoarse voice
- Sore throat
- Symptoms worse when lying down
The discomfort you can feel in the chest can occasionally mimic cardiac pain. If chest pain is severe, spreads to the arm or jaw, or is associated with breathlessness, urgent medical attention should be sought immediately.
When Is It GORD?
You may have GORD if symptoms occur more than twice weekly, symptoms disturb sleep, you rely regularly on over-the-counter remedies, or symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes. Persistent acid exposure can irritate the oesophageal lining. While serious complications are uncommon, long-standing untreated reflux may lead to inflammation (oesophagitis), narrowing (stricture), or in rare cases, Barrett’s oesophagus.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Advice
You should not ignore, or try to treat, some symptoms without seeing a doctor. The following are considered serious symptoms and require prompt investigation by your GP or hospital services:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pain when swallowing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent vomiting
- Vomiting blood
- Black, tarry stools
- Unexplained anaemia
- New reflux symptoms after age 55
- Severe chest pain
Acid Reflux Treatments Available at PharmaBee
Omeprazole Capsules
Widely used PPI for GORD, heartburn and ulcers
Omeprazole 20mg Dispersible Tablets
Same active ingredient, mixed with water for easier swallowing
Lansoprazole Capsules
PPI comparable in effectiveness to Omeprazole
Lansoprazole Orodispersible Tablets
Dissolves on the tongue or in water for swallowing difficulties
Famotidine 20mg Tablets
H2 blocker for faster short-term symptom relief
PPIs vs H2 Blockers — Which Is Right for Me?
Proton pump inhibitors provide stronger and more sustained acid suppression. They are generally preferred for confirmed GORD or when inflammation of the oesophagus is suspected. H2 blockers such as Famotidine act more quickly, often within one to three hours, and are useful for intermittent symptoms or predictable episodes of heartburn. Treatment decisions are made by our experience team based on your consultation responses in line with guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
Lifestyle Changes That Support Treatment
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals
- Avoiding large meals late at night
- Avoiding trigger foods (spicy, fatty, acidic)
- Limiting alcohol and caffeine
- Losing weight if overweight
- Stopping smoking
- Raising the head of your bed
- Avoid lying down within three hours of eating
How It Works
Complete our secure online consultation
Your answers are reviewed by a UK-registered pharmacist.
A private prescription is issued if appropriate.
Medication is dispensed and delivered discreetly.
Next-day delivery available in most UK areas.
Why Choose PharmaBee?
- Registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council
- Prescriptions reviewed by UK-licensed pharmacist
- UK-licensed medicines only
- Transparent pricing
- Secure data handling
- Available 24/7
FAQs
PPIs begin reducing acid within hours, with full effect building over two to four days. Famotidine typically works within one to three hours.
Yes, under clinical supervision. Regular review is recommended to confirm ongoing need and monitor for potential effects.
Yes. Lifestyle measures significantly improve outcomes alongside medication.
Some reflux medications are used during pregnancy under supervision. You must declare pregnancy during your consultation.
Seek urgent advice if you develop difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, persistent vomiting, or blood in vomit or stools.
