Digestive Health treatments
Explore information about Digestive Health. An independent doctor decides whether a prescription is appropriate. Dispensing and delivery depend on a valid prescription, the available route and an independent licensed pharmacy.
Choose a treatment to review
Pricing is indicative where shown. Final route, fulfilment, and whether treatment is clinically appropriate remain subject to independent doctor review. Check platform, independent doctor, pharmacy and delivery charges before payment. A listed medicine amount is not a complete route quotation.
Hyoscine Butylbromide
Hyoscine butylbromide: Spanish Buscapina 10 mg indications, product-specific doses, contraindications and driving precautions.
Lubiprostone (Amitiza)
Lubiprostone: US indications, constipation and IBS-C distinctions, dose adjustments and safety. Spanish authorisation and supply are not established here.
Omeprazole
Omeprazole: acid-related conditions, Spanish product doses, interactions, alarm symptoms and the distinction between labels and H. pylori guidance.
Rifaximin
Rifaximin indications differ by product and country. Read about dosing, interactions, diarrhoea warnings and the limits of foreign product information.
Simethicone
Simethicone for gas symptoms: Spanish Aero-red adult dosing, contraindications, adverse effects and why infant products need separate assessment.
About digestive health treatments
Gastrointestinal conditions affect a substantial proportion of the European population and account for a significant share of primary care consultations. Among the most prevalent are gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), peptic ulcer disease, and related acid-mediated conditions. It is estimated that GORD affects approximately 10–30% of the Western adult population, with heartburn and acid regurgitation being among the most commonly reported symptoms in primary care.
GORD occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, causing inflammation, discomfort, and — in persistent cases — structural changes such as erosive oesophagitis or Barrett’s oesophagus. Risk factors include obesity, smoking, dietary factors, certain medications (particularly NSAIDs), and conditions that increase intra-abdominal pressure such as pregnancy.
Peptic ulcers — ulcerations in the stomach or duodenum — are most commonly caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria or long-term NSAID use. Management typically involves a combination of acid suppression and, where H. pylori is confirmed, antibiotic eradication therapy.
The mainstay of pharmacological treatment for acid-related digestive conditions is the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) class, which includes omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, and esomeprazole. PPIs provide potent and sustained acid suppression and are among the most widely prescribed medications in Europe. H2 receptor antagonists such as famotidine offer an alternative mechanism of acid reduction and remain in clinical use.
All treatment decisions must be made by a qualified, independent doctor based on thorough assessment of symptoms, duration, and relevant clinical history.
Available treatments
The following medications are described here for digestive health conditions. Independent doctors make prescribing decisions. Licensed pharmacies dispense only where approved and available. This comparison is provided for informational purposes only.
| Medication | Active Ingredient | Class | Primary Indication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omeprazole | Omeprazole | Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) | GORD, peptic ulcer, H. pylori eradication |
| Lansoprazole | Lansoprazole | Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) | GORD, peptic ulcer, H. pylori eradication |
| Famotidine | Famotidine | H2 receptor antagonist | GORD, peptic ulcer, heartburn |
Key distinctions:
- Omeprazole: The original PPI and a widely used reference standard. Generic formulations are broadly available and cost-effective. Effective for most acid-related conditions.
- Lansoprazole: A PPI with comparable efficacy to omeprazole. Some patients may experience improved tolerability or response with one PPI over another. Available in standard and orodispersible formulations.
- Famotidine: An H2 blocker with faster onset than PPIs (useful for on-demand use) but less sustained acid suppression. Suitable for milder symptoms or as an adjunct to PPI therapy in some cases.
Note on ranitidine: The EMA recommended suspension of ranitidine medicines in the EU in April 2020 because of NDMA contamination concerns and confirmed that recommendation after review. Do not assume that ranitidine is currently available; consult current regulatory information.
How to get digestive health treatment online
Prescrivia operates as a technology intermediary. We do not prescribe medications, employ doctors, or sell medicines. Our platform collects your health assessment for review by an independent licensed prescriber.
The process:
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Complete a health assessment — Answer a structured set of medical questions covering your symptoms, their duration and frequency, dietary and lifestyle factors, current medications (particularly NSAIDs), and any previous investigations such as endoscopy or H. pylori testing.
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Independent doctor review — An independent doctor reviews your assessment. If a prescription digestive medication is clinically appropriate, the doctor may issue a prescription. If symptoms suggest the need for urgent investigation, the doctor will advise accordingly.
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Pharmacy fulfilment — A valid prescription does not guarantee dispensing or delivery. An independent licensed pharmacy checks lawful supply, stock and an available supply route for the destination country.
Important: Prescrivia does not guarantee that a prescription will be issued. Prescribing decisions are made entirely by independent medical professionals.
How we compare
| Through Prescrivia | In-person GP appointment | |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Online assessment, subject to platform availability | Subject to appointment availability |
| Wait time | Review time depends on clinical needs and availability | Depends on appointment availability |
| Travel required | No | Yes |
| Prescribing decision | Made by independent doctor | Made by your GP |
| Ongoing monitoring | Supported via follow-up assessments | Managed by your GP |
| Cost | Transparent pricing displayed upfront | Varies by country and healthcare system |
Note: Digestive symptoms that may indicate serious underlying pathology — including difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, blood in stools, or new-onset symptoms in adults over 55 — require urgent in-person evaluation. Prescrivia’s platform is designed for adults with established, uncomplicated acid-related digestive conditions suitable for remote assessment.
Sources
Medical information on this page is based on the following sources:
- European Medicines Agency (EMA). Omeprazole — Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: ema.europa.eu
- Vakil N, et al. The Montreal definition and classification of gastroesophageal reflux disease. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2006.
- World Health Organization (WHO). Gastrointestinal diseases — WHO data and statistics. who.int
Medical information may change as clinical guidance is updated. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for advice relevant to your individual health circumstances.
Availability, dispensing and delivery depend on the country, clinical assessment, pharmacy and applicable law. A Spanish-language page does not establish eligibility for supply in Spain.
Frequently asked questions
- How does an online assessment for acid reflux or heartburn medication work?
- Yes. Through Prescrivia, you can complete a health assessment reviewed by an independent doctor. Where prescription medication is clinically appropriate — for example, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease — the doctor may issue a prescription. A pharmacy may dispense after confirming a valid prescription, applicable requirements, stock and availability for the destination. Dispensing and delivery are not guaranteed.
- What is the difference between omeprazole and lansoprazole?
- Both are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that reduce stomach acid production by blocking the proton pump in gastric parietal cells. They have similar efficacy profiles for most indications. The choice between them depends on clinical factors, drug interactions, and individual patient response, which the reviewing doctor will assess.
- Is ranitidine still available in Europe?
- Ranitidine (an H2 receptor antagonist) was withdrawn from EU markets in 2020 following the discovery of unacceptable levels of NDMA (a probable carcinogen) in some formulations. Alternative H2 blockers such as famotidine remain available. A doctor can advise on the most appropriate current treatment options.
- How long can I take a proton pump inhibitor (PPI)?
- PPIs are highly effective for acute conditions and are often prescribed for 4–8 weeks for conditions such as peptic ulcers. Long-term or indefinite PPI use may be appropriate for conditions such as chronic GORD or Barrett's oesophagus, but carries risks including magnesium deficiency, Clostridium difficile infection, and potential reduced bone density. Long-term use should be reviewed regularly by a doctor.
- What digestive symptoms require urgent in-person assessment rather than online treatment?
- Symptoms including unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), vomiting blood, black or tarry stools, persistent abdominal pain, or symptoms in patients over 55 with new-onset reflux warrant urgent in-person investigation to exclude serious conditions such as oesophageal or stomach cancer.
Intermediary notice: Prescrivia connects patients with independent doctors and licensed pharmacies. We do not provide medical advice, employ doctors, or sell medicines. All medical decisions are made by independent healthcare professionals, and prescription-only medicines require a valid prescription. Treatment is not guaranteed — whether a prescription is issued depends on an independent doctor's clinical assessment.
Ready to begin your assessment?
Complete a short health assessment and, where clinically appropriate, connect with an independent doctor for review.
Prescrivia is not a doctor or pharmacy — it is a technology platform. Any prescription decision is made by an independent doctor; medicines are dispensed by licensed pharmacies only where available.