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Proton Pump Inhibitors, commonly known as PPIs, are a class of drugs that function by blocking the enzyme responsible for producing acid in the stomach, called the proton pump. By inhibiting this enzyme, the amount of stomach acid is reduced, thereby alleviating symptoms associated with excess stomach acid and allowing any inflammation or damage to heal. Examples of Proton Pump Inhibitors include: 1. Omeprazole (Prilosec) 2. Esomeprazole (Nexium) 3. Lansoprazole (Prevacid) 4. Pantoprazole (Protonix) 5. Rabeprazole (AcipHex)

H2 Histamine Receptor Blockers, or H2 Blockers, are another class of drugs that help reduce stomach acid production. They achieve this by blocking the H2 histamine receptors, which are found on the acid-producing cells in the stomach lining. By blocking these receptors, the histamine molecule is unable to bind and stimulate the production of stomach acid, thereby reducing the overall production of acid. Examples of H2 Histamine Receptor Blockers include: 1. Cimetidine (Tagamet) 2. Famotidine (Pepcid) 3. Nizatidine (Axid) 4. Ranitidine (Zantac)

Buffers are a class of drugs that help neutralize stomach acid by reacting with the acids chemically in the stomach. These drugs contain basic (alkaline) substances that neutralize the acidic pH of the stomach, reducing the symptoms and complications arising from the acidic environment of the stomach. Instead of reducing the production of stomach acid, buffers attempt to counteract the effects of the acid that has already been produced. Examples of buffers include: 1. Magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia) 2. Sodium bicarbonate (Baking soda) 3. Calcium carbonate (Tums) 4. Aluminum hydroxide with magnesium hydroxide (Maalox, Mylanta) By understanding how each class of drug functions (reducing acid production in the case of PPIs and H2 blockers, and neutralizing stomach acid in the case of buffers), we can recognize that these drugs may help alleviate symptoms and promote healing in individuals suffering from gastritis or gastroesophageal reflux.