Calming the acid: Pharmacotherapeutic approaches to gastro-oesophageal reflux disorder

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a chronic disorder where gastric contents, inclusive of gastric acid, pepsin and foodstuff, enter the oesophagus which leads to irritation and potential erosion. While refluxate regurgitation is a physiological process, pathophysiological levels of reflux may manifest as heartburn, regurgitation, and non-cardiac chest pain. Management should be approached from a non-pharmacotherapeutic vantage, where pharmacotherapy is included where justified to support treatment outcomes. In this review, the broad medication classes used for GORD treatment in South Africa are discussed, including the first-line proton pump inhibitors, histamine-2-receptor antagonists, antacids, and alginate-based treatments.