Antacid remedies often contain several different ingredients and are generally considered first line treatment, after or alongside lifestyle changes. Aluminium and magnesium salts frequently form the base of these products, sometimes in combination so the respective side effects of constipation and diarrhoea cancel each other out. Antacids can react with other medicines, so make sure to ask customers if they are taking anything else when recommending or selling such products.

Alginates, sometimes called rafting agents, often feature for their ability to form a layer that sits above the stomach contents and stops it leaking into the oesophagus. Liquids have a quicker effect than tablets (which should always be sucked or chewed rather than swallowed), and all products are best taken about an hour after eating, rather than immediately. Some products will contain both an alginate and an antacid (e.g. Gaviscon Double Action).

OTC examples include Gaviscon Advance, Bisodol, Rennie.