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Suggest Treatment For GERD And Heart Disease

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Posted on Mon, 11 Jul 2016
Question: I have Gerd. I am 88 and I have heart disease. I have been taking Carafate 4x daily and Pepcid 40 mg rite after I eat. I am a retired Ortho Surgeon who plays a lot of golf. Is there a new form of Pepid Complete? Can you tell me if I really need the Carafate?
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Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (50 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
omeprazole is more effective

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

there are certain trials that proved omeprazole's superiority over pepcid (famotidine) for GERD. Omeprazole usually provides a long lasting relief and prevents complications. I don't believe carafate (sucralfate) is necessary. Gastroenterologists usually prescribe sucralfate when significant erosions or ulcers are present until they heal.

So in conclusion, I agree with your gastroenterologist that omeprazole in the lowest dose should be tried because it's the optimal treatment for GERD. No other drugs are required. If despite the trial evidence you find famotidine more effective then there is no reason to insist on omeprazole...

I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.

Kind Regards!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3819 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For GERD And Heart Disease

Brief Answer: omeprazole is more effective Detailed Answer: Hello, there are certain trials that proved omeprazole's superiority over pepcid (famotidine) for GERD. Omeprazole usually provides a long lasting relief and prevents complications. I don't believe carafate (sucralfate) is necessary. Gastroenterologists usually prescribe sucralfate when significant erosions or ulcers are present until they heal. So in conclusion, I agree with your gastroenterologist that omeprazole in the lowest dose should be tried because it's the optimal treatment for GERD. No other drugs are required. If despite the trial evidence you find famotidine more effective then there is no reason to insist on omeprazole... I hope you find my comments helpful! You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information. Kind Regards!