How long does it take for heartburn to go away
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Duration for Heartburn Relief: Insights from Clinical Studies
Lansoprazole 15 mg for Heartburn Relief
Effectiveness and Duration
Lansoprazole 15 mg once daily has been shown to be effective in treating frequent heartburn over a 14-day period. In two randomized, placebo-controlled studies, participants who took lansoprazole experienced a significantly higher percentage of heartburn-free days compared to those who took a placebo. The treatment was effective throughout the 24-hour period and was well tolerated by the participants1.
Esomeprazole 20 mg for Heartburn Relief
Short-Term Efficacy
Esomeprazole 20 mg once daily has also been evaluated for its effectiveness in treating frequent heartburn. Studies indicate that esomeprazole provides significant relief starting from the first few days of treatment, with the greatest benefits observed between days 5 and 14. Participants reported a substantial increase in heartburn-free days compared to those taking a placebo5.
Post-Treatment Effects
The efficacy of esomeprazole extends beyond the treatment period. In a follow-up study, participants continued to experience heartburn relief for at least one week after the 14-day treatment ended, with no significant symptomatic rebound. This suggests that esomeprazole not only provides immediate relief but also has a lasting effect4.
Omeprazole 20 mg for Heartburn Relief
Long-Term Efficacy
Omeprazole 20 mg once daily has been shown to be highly effective in controlling heartburn over a longer period. In a study conducted over eight weeks, 71% of participants achieved adequate control of heartburn after four weeks of treatment. This was significantly higher compared to those taking cisapride or a placebo. The effectiveness of omeprazole was consistent regardless of the presence of reflux oesophagitis3.
Conclusion
The duration for heartburn relief varies depending on the medication used. Lansoprazole and esomeprazole both show significant effectiveness within a 14-day treatment period, with esomeprazole providing sustained relief even after the treatment ends. Omeprazole, on the other hand, is effective for longer-term treatment, showing substantial relief over an eight-week period. For immediate and sustained heartburn relief, esomeprazole and lansoprazole are effective options, while omeprazole is suitable for longer-term management.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Lansoprazole 15 mg Once Daily for 14 Days Is Effective for Treatment of Frequent Heartburn: Results of 2 Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Studies
Lansoprazole 15 mg once daily for 14 days effectively treats frequent heartburn and is well-tolerated by patients without consulting a prescriber.
RCT
Large Human TrialSustained efficacy following resolution of frequent heartburn with an over-the-counter regimen of esomeprazole 20 mg or placebo for 14 days: two randomized trials
Lower baseline heartburn frequency and heartburn resolution during the last seven days of treatment with esomeprazole 20 mg for 14 days are associated with a greater likelihood of heartburn resolution during the seven-day follow-up period.
RCTLarge Human Trial
Rigorous JournalHeartburn treatment in primary care: randomised, double blind study for 8 weeks
Omeprazole 20 mg once daily is highly effective in relieving heartburn in primary care patients, while cisapride 20 mg twice daily is not significantly more effective than placebo.
RCTLarge Human Trial
Highly CitedA 14-day regimen of esomeprazole 20 mg/day for frequent heartburn: durability of effects, symptomatic rebound, and treatment satisfaction
Esomeprazole 20 mg once daily effectively treats frequent heartburn for 14 days, maintaining relief for a week without symptomatic rebound.
RCTAnalysis of the symptom response to esomeprazole 20 mg over days 1–4 of a 14-day course of treatment for frequent heartburn: results of two randomised controlled trials
Esomeprazole 20 mg significantly increases heartburn-free days in frequent heartburn sufferers, with the greatest clinical benefits observed during days 5-14.
RCTLarge Human TrialHeartburn without oesophagitis: efficacy of omeprazole therapy and features determining therapeutic response.
Omeprazole, 20 and 10 mg once daily, provides rapid relief of heartburn in patients without endoscopic oesophagitis, with satisfaction rates ranging from 66% to 57%.
RCTLarge Human TrialHighly CitedRandomized Trial of Medical versus Surgical Treatment for Refractory Heartburn.
Surgery is superior to medical treatment for PPI-refractory heartburn in a minority of patients, with a significant improvement in quality of life.
RCTLarge Human TrialRigorous JournalHighly CitedCost-effectiveness and cost-utility of long-term management strategies for heartburn.
The optimal primary care strategy for managing moderate-to-severe heartburn symptoms is treating symptoms with a PPI followed by maintenance therapy with an H2RA, depending on society's willingness to pay for health improvements.
Meta-AnalysisComparison of Prilosec OTCTM (omeprazole magnesium 20·6 mg) to placebo for 14 days in the treatment of frequent heartburn
Prilosec OTC (omeprazole magnesium 20-6 mg) is a safe and effective over-the-counter treatment for frequent heartburn when administered as a 14-day regimen.
RCT