The use of pantoprazole and famotidine in gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is one of the most common diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, the incidence is comparable in men and women and increases with age (especially after the age of 40). The essence of the disease is the reflux of acid gastric contents into the lumen of the esophagus and causing local irritation of the mucosa. The main symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease is heartburn, i.e. a burning sensation behind the breastbone, often aggravated after a heavy and fatty meal or a change in body position (by bending down, lying down). Symptoms, including extra-esophageal symptoms, can also occur at night (even in 45–80% of gastroesophageal reflux disease patients) and are not always immediately associated with reflux. The mainstay of treatment are acid-inhibiting drugs. The purpose of this article is to discuss, on a case-by-case basis, the beneficial combination of pantoprazole with famotidine for symptom control and quality of life improvement.