Dr Harsh Shah
MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Registered with Gujarat Medical Council, Reg. No. G-38738
Robotic Hernia Surgeon · Apollo Hospital, Bhat, Gandhinagar · Gota OPD, Ahmedabad
In short
Many people with a hiatal hernia are given acid tablets. The tablets often work well. After a few months, a common question follows. Do I have to take these forever?
For many people the answer is no. This page explains how the dose can often come down, what is known about long-term use, and when other options make sense. It is general information. Do not change your tablets without your doctor.
Acid tablets lower the amount of acid the stomach makes. Less acid flowing back means less heartburn and less damage to the food pipe.
They do not close the gap in the diaphragm. They also do not stop food or liquid from flowing back. That is why some people still bring food up into the mouth while taking them.
Ways acid tablets are used with a hiatal hernia
| Way of taking | Who it suits | Point to remember |
|---|---|---|
| Daily, full dose | Bad heartburn or a healing food pipe | Review after a few weeks |
| Daily, lower dose | Symptoms controlled on full dose | Step down slowly |
| Only on bad days | Mild or occasional heartburn | Diet and timing matter more |
| Long term, daily | Barrett's change or severe inflammation | Doctor review once a year |
| Not needed | No symptoms, small hernia | No treatment for the hernia itself |
Taking acid tablets for years and want to know your options? Bring your endoscopy report and your current tablets.
Once symptoms are under control, many doctors try a lower dose. The aim is the smallest dose that keeps you comfortable.
Stopping suddenly can cause a short burst of extra acid for a week or two. Going slowly avoids this.
Acid tablets have been used by millions of people for many years. For most, they are safe when there is a clear reason to take them. Studies have linked very long use with low vitamin B12, low magnesium, thinner bones and some gut infections. These links are mostly small.
The sensible approach is a yearly review. Your doctor checks whether you still need the tablet and at what dose, and may order a simple blood test.
Some people do need daily tablets for a long time. This includes people with severe inflammation of the food pipe on endoscopy, and people with Barrett's change. For them, stopping is not advised without a specialist's review.
Surgery brings the stomach back below the diaphragm, narrows the gap and builds a new valve with a wrap of stomach. It is discussed when heartburn continues on tablets, when food keeps coming back up, when the hernia is large, or when a person does not want lifelong tablets.
Many people stop acid tablets after a repair. Some still need a low dose later. Your surgeon will talk through what to expect in your case.
Talk to your doctor first. Many people can lower the dose or take tablets only when needed. Stopping suddenly can bring a short burst of extra acid.
For most people they are, when there is a clear reason to take them. Your doctor should review the need and the dose about once a year.
No. They reduce the acid that flows back, which eases heartburn. The hernia stays the same size.
Tablets reduce acid, not the backflow itself. Food or liquid coming up into the mouth often continues, and this is one reason surgery is discussed.
When symptoms continue despite tablets, when you do not want to take them for life, when food comes back up, or when the hernia is large.
The main page on this site is robotic hernia surgery in Ahmedabad. These cover the neighbouring questions.
Where to find us
Dr Harsh Shah, MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Shah's Gastro, Cancer & Robotic Surgery Centre
Apollo Hospital, Bhat, Gandhinagar
Gota OPD, Ahmedabad
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