Nonprescription acid reducers reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach. They may work better than antacids and usually provide relief of heartburn for longer periods of time. But some of them are lower in strength than the corresponding prescription medicines.

These nonprescription medicines include:

• Cimetidine (for example, Tagamet HB).
• Famotidine (for example, Pepcid AC).
• Nizatidine (for example, Axid AR).
• Omeprazole (for example, Prilosec OTC).
• Ranitidine (for example, Zantac 75).

Don't take these medicines longer than 2 weeks without also consulting a doctor.

Cimetidine (such as Tagamet HB) can interact with other medicines. This increases the chance that side effects may occur or that other medicines you may be taking may become less effective. If you are taking other prescription medicines, consult your doctor first before taking cimetidine.

These same medicines are also available by prescription.