Goodbye, Prilosec OTC: 12 Alternatives for Acid Reflux Relief That Won’t Backfire

I was a loyal Prilosec user for years, like, drag-it-around-in-my-bag loyal. It worked… until it didn’t. The side effects crept in slowly: weird headaches, low energy, and a gnawing sense that I was trading short-term relief for long-term risk. 

I had to rethink my reflux strategy. I knew PPIs weren’t meant for forever, but figuring out what to switch to took a lot of trial and error, label-reading, and late-night Reddit rabbit holes at 2:30 a.m.

I’ve rounded up the 12 best Prilosec OTC alternatives so you don’t have to spiral into reflux chaos (like I did, trying to find what else will work for the burning lava monster in my chest). Some of these are other PPIs (because, hey, that might be what works for you). Others are H2 blockers, antacids, or natural approaches that actually soothe symptoms without messing with your gut lining. And yes, I’ve personally tried every single one of them.

Use this guide as your starting point for finding relief that works with your body, not against it.

Quick Overview: Best Prilosec OTC Alternatives at a Glance

Here’s a quick snapshot of the top alternatives to Prilosec OTC if you’re short on time. 

Product	Type	Best For	Price Tier
Reflux Gourmet Rescue	Alginate gel	Post-meal or nighttime reflux protection, pregnancy-safe	$$$
Reflux Gourmet Gum	Alginate gum	On-the-go symptom relief, nausea	$$
Khelp	Alginate capsules	Daily use, pregnancy-safe, long-term support	$$$
RefluxRaft	Alginate liquid	Mild-to-moderate reflux	$$
Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Gum	Herbal gum	Nausea	$
Pepcid (famotidine)	H2 blocker	Fast-acting relief	$
Tagamet (cimetidine)	H2 blocker	Dual-action heartburn & indigestion	$
Nexium 24HR (esomeprazole)	PPI	All-day symptom control, chronic GERD	$$
Mylanta (Liquid)	Antacid + simethicone	Immediate relief, soothing flavor	$
Gaia Herbs Reflux Relief	Herbal chewable	Mild reflux, natural ingredients	$$
Natural Factors Chewable DGL Licorice Extract	Herbal demulcent	Soothing throat burn, mild reflux, gut lining support	$
Prevacid 24HR	PPI	24-hour acid suppression	$$

The Acid Reflux Toolkit: Know Your Options

If you’re new to the reflux rollercoaster or tired of white-knuckling it through flare-ups, it helps to know your “weapons.” Acid reflux relief isn’t one-size-fits-all, and different tools (meds) work better for different symptoms, times of day, or underlying causes.

Here’s a quick rundown of your options:

1. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

These are the “big guns” like Prilosec (omeprazole), Nexium, and Prevacid. PPIs work by shutting down the acid-producing pumps in your stomach lining. They’re highly effective but take a few days to kick in and should (ideally) only be used short-term (4–8 weeks max unless your doctor says otherwise). 

Long-term PPI use can mess with your bones, B12 and magnesium absorption, and cause rebound reflux when you stop using it.

2. H2 Blockers

These are milder acid reducers like Pepcid (famotidine) and Tagamet (cimetidine). They block the histamine signal that tells your stomach to make acid. They tend to kick in faster than PPIs (usually within an hour), making them great for on-the-spot relief, especially at night. 

The downside? They don’t last as long, and your body can build a tolerance with daily use. But if your reflux is mild or you’re trying to step down from a PPI, H2 blockers can be a solid middle-ground option.

3. Antacids + Alginates

These offer immediate relief. Antacids like TUMS and Mylanta neutralize existing acid, while alginate-based products (like Reflux Gourmet and Khelp) form a physical barrier that stops acid from traveling up your esophagus. These are safe for daily use and especially helpful for LPR (throat reflux), pregnancy, or as a PPI alternative.

4. Herbal + Natural Options

Some people find relief with botanicals like licorice (DGL), chamomile, aloe vera, or marshmallow root, which may soothe inflamed tissue and support the gut lining. Products like Gaia Herbs Reflux Relief or Iberogast combine multiple herbs for a synergistic effect. These can be great if you want to avoid medication, but quality varies, and not every remedy works for everyone. Always check for interactions if you’re on other meds.

You’ll need to decide whether to mix and match or stick with a single solution, but either way, keep track of what works for your body. Reflux is personal, and your relief toolkit should be too.

What Can You Take Instead of Prilosec OTC?

If you’re staring down the same little purple box at the pharmacy week after week, wondering if there’s something—anything—else that might help, you’re not alone. Prilosec (omeprazole) is everywhere, but it’s not the only option. 

Whether you’re trying to ditch the long-term side effects of PPIs, wean off daily meds, or want a gentler alternative for your reflux, there’s a whole world of substitutes worth exploring.

Here are the best Prilosec OTC alternatives for Acid Reflux Relief: 

1. Reflux Gourmet Rescue

Category: Seaweed-based alginate therapy (natural reflux barrier)

Why try it: No side effects, pregnancy-safe, soothing texture, no weird fillers

This one changed my entire approach to reflux. I was skeptical at first. I mean, would you believe that “a dessert-flavored gel in a toothpaste tube” would work for acid reflux? Yeah, me neither. 

But the Vanilla Caramel Rescue and Mint Chocolate Rescue flavors taste surprisingly legit. Reflux Gourmet uses kelp-derived alginate to form a raft-like barrier that physically stops reflux from escaping your stomach.

I keep one in my kitchen and another on my nightstand. It’s my go-to after dinner, especially when I know I shouldn’t have eaten that thing I definitely ate. (Yes, I’m looking at you, tomato soup.)

2. Reflux Gourmet Gum (Berry or Tropical Soothe)

Category: Alginate therapy and saliva booster

Why try it: Sugar-free, gluten-free, allergen-free, and actually pleasant to chew

Bonus: Great for nausea, too, especially when reflux comes with a side of queasy

This one’s a lifesaver when I’m on the go. The Berry Soothe Gum tastes like a mellow fruit snack and works by increasing saliva production (your body’s natural antacid) while delivering a light dose of alginate for protection.

Chewing gum helps keep acid down, and the added coating effect makes it ideal for light reflux or throat irritation between meals. It’s perfect for travel, Zoom calls, or any moment you don’t want to slurp gel in public.

3. Khelp

Category: Alginate capsules

Why try it: No side effects, safe for long-term use and pregnancy, the capsule form is discreet

If the texture of liquid alginate freaks you out (some are better than others), Khelp offers the same barrier protection in capsule form. You take 2–4 pills after meals or before bed, and once they hit your stomach, they create a protective gel.

People with LPR (throat reflux) swear by this one. I found it super convenient and effective, especially at night, but in full transparency, it’s not cheap.

4. RefluxRaft

Category: Alginate and herbal

Why try it: Multitasking formula, solid for nighttime reflux

Caution: Texture might be a dealbreaker, and melatonin isn’t for everyone

If you like a little herbal kick with your reflux relief, RefluxRaft All Day Relief Lemon Ginger mixes alginate with ginger and DGL (licorice root). The Midnight Berry PM formula contains melatonin. The Berry Burst flavor, which is antioxidant-rich, was decent, but the texture took getting used to (think medicinal honey meets slime).

I didn’t love the Midnight Berry formula because melatonin gives me wild dreams, but others find it relaxing and effective for nighttime reflux. It’s worth trying if you’re into botanicals and want a blend that does more than coat.

5. Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Ginger Gum

Category: Herbal gum

Why try it: Natural, drug-free, tastes pleasant

The Sea-Brand Anti-Nausea Ginger Gum is a natural remedy made with ginger and xylitol. While it’s technically for motion sickness, I’ve used it during reflux-induced nausea and found it soothing. There is no alginate here, so it’s more about calming the stomach than forming a barrier, but I’ve found it’s still worth keeping in my bag.

6. Pepcid (Famotidine)

Category: H2 Blocker

Why try it: Fast-acting, less intense than PPIs, easy to find

Bonus: Fewer long-term risks than Prilosec

The OG of quick acid relief. Pepcid Complete is my fallback when I need something fast but don’t want the commitment of a full PPI. It blocks acid production at the receptor level and starts working within an hour.

I like the chewable version that includes calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide for a one-two punch. It’s not super long-lasting, but it gets the job done in a pinch.

7. Tagamet HB 200 (Cimetidine)

Category: H2 Blocker

Why try it: Effective, fast, and can be used before or after eating

Caution: Watch for interactions, so talk to your pharmacist first

Tagamet has been around forever, and it’s still a solid option. I find it kicks in fast and tends to work well after rich meals or late-night snacks. Some people prefer it to Pepcid because of how quickly it acts and how long it lasts.

Heads up: it interacts with more meds, so double-check if you’re taking other prescriptions.

8. Nexium 24HR

Category: PPI

Why try it: May work better for some than omeprazole

Caution: Same PPI risks (bone loss, rebound acid, nutrient depletion)

If you prefer to stay on the PPI train but want to switch from Prilosec, Nexium (esomeprazole) is the next most popular pick. It absorbs a bit differently, and some people find it works faster or more consistently.

That said, it’s still a PPI, so the same warnings apply: it is only for short-term use unless directed by your doctor. I used it during a flare-up, and it did the trick, but I wouldn’t rely on it long-term.

9. Mylanta Tonight (Honey Chamomile)

Category: Antacid / Coating

Why try it: Fast, gentle, and comforting at night

Bonus: No chalky aftertaste

I discovered this one after Googling “antacid that doesn’t taste like regret.” And honestly? It’s not bad. The PM honey chamomile formula is smooth, coats your throat instantly, and gives real relief after dinner.

It’s not as long-lasting as alginate therapy, but when you just need that soothing, coating feeling to sleep, it works.

Mylanta liquid also comes in Classic, Vanilla Caramel, and Mint Chocolate flavors, while the chewables come in Lemon Mint, Berry Ginger, and double strength. 

10. Gaia Herbs Reflux Relief

Category: Herbal

Why try it: All-natural, gentle, and surprisingly effective

Note: Pricier, and doesn’t work for everyone on its own

If you’re into natural options, the Gaia Herbs Reflux Relief chewable combines marshmallow root, licorice, chamomile, and aloe. It’s not an acid suppressant, but it helps reduce inflammation and calm irritated tissue.

I used it alongside alginate products during flare-ups and found it eased throat tightness and rawness. It’s also great for LPR or gastritis-adjacent symptoms.

11. Natural Factors Chewable DGL Licorice Extract

Category: Natural demulcent; herbal remedy

Why try it: Naturally coats the esophagus and stomach lining and doesn’t affect acid production (so digestion stays intact)

At one point, I’d tried nearly every over-the-counter option on the reflux shelf and still felt like something was missing—especially when my throat felt raw or irritated. That’s when I stumbled across Natural Factors Chewable DGL. 

It’s basically licorice root, minus the compound (glycyrrhizin) that can mess with your blood pressure. And while it doesn’t “shut off acid pumps” like PPIs do, it helps coat and soothe your esophagus and stomach lining. Some studies also found that DGL licorice can be more effective than PPIs. 

The taste? Think mildly sweet with a bit of earthy bitterness. The effect? Surprisingly calming, especially for that low-key burn that hangs around even after dinner is long over. It works best if you take it 15–30 minutes before eating or whenever your gut feels cranky and overcooked.

12. Prevacid 24HR (Lansoprazole)

Category: PPI

Why try it: Gentler for some users

Caution: Should not be a forever fix

Another PPI option that works a bit differently. Some people report fewer side effects with Prevacid, and it’s widely available. I tried it when tapering from Prilosec and found it gentler on my gut.

Just remember: it’s the same deal, so use it short-term only unless you’re working with a GI doc.

FAQs About Alternatives to Prilosec OTC 

Question: Is it safe to stop taking Prilosec cold turkey?

Answer: It’s not usually safe or recommended to stop taking Prilosec cold turkey. Rebound acid is real. Taper gradually with help from your doctor and consider adding alginate therapy or H2 blockers during the transition.

Question: Can I combine acid reflux medication?

Answer: Yes! Many people combine alginate therapy with H2 blockers or short-term PPIs. Just avoid doubling up on similar meds unless directed by your doc.

Question: How long can I safely take alginate products like Reflux Gourmet or Khelp?

Answer: Long-term! These are natural, non-systemic, and safe for daily use, even during pregnancy.

Question: What’s the fastest-acting option for reflux relief?

Answer: Antacids like TUMS or liquids like Mylanta work within minutes. For a natural fix, alginate gum (like Reflux Gourmet) helps quickly, too.

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Reflux Relief Sweet Spot

Here’s the truth: no one product works for everyone. Some people swear by PPIs. Others can’t handle them. 

After I stopped Prilosec OTC, I found the most relief by combining alginate therapy (Reflux Gourmet) with diet tweaks and lifestyle changes. On flare-up days, I’ll rotate in Pepcid or Mylanta. Herbs like marshmallow root and DGL licorice? Total staples.

But the real win? Getting off the Prilosec rollercoaster and finding options that work with my body, not against it.