Which medication is recommended for minimizing symptoms in chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

In managing chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), oral famotidine is recommended because it is an H2 receptor antagonist that reduces stomach acid production. By blocking histamine at the H2 receptors in the stomach lining, famotidine decreases the amount of acid the stomach secretes, which helps alleviate the symptoms of GERD, such as heartburn and regurgitation.

The use of an antacid can provide temporary relief for acid-related symptoms but does not effectively address the chronic nature of GERD or reduce acid production in the long term. While oral clarithromycin is an antibiotic that may be used in certain circumstances such as treating H. pylori infections, it is not a standard treatment for GERD itself. Oral lubiprostone is a medication primarily prescribed for constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, making it unrelated to the management of GERD symptoms. Therefore, famotidine specifically targets the underlying issue of excess stomach acid, making it the best choice for minimizing GERD symptoms.