Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsOTC MedicinePrescription MedicineNondrug RemediesCommon CausesPreventionWhen to Seek Medical Help
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
OTC Medicine
Prescription Medicine
Nondrug Remedies
Common Causes
Prevention
When to Seek Medical Help
These can range from OTC antidiarrheals and antacids to prescription laxatives and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), depending on your symptoms.
Getty Images / LaylaBird
Over-the-Counter Stomach Medication
For Constipation
For constipation, various types oflaxativesare available. Options include:
For Gas
Gas reliefcan be achieved through simethicone-containing products like Gas-X, Phazyme, and Mylanta, which break up gas bubbles in the gut.
Digestive aid products are also an option for aiding in the digestion of specific food components. Examples areBeano (alpha-galactosidase)and Lactaid (lactase), which may be helpful if you feel bloated after consuming dairy products.
For Heartburn
For upper abdominal pain from heartburn, a wide variety of OTC medications are available. Make sure you read the product labels. Many are not intended for long-term use without consulting a healthcare provider.
The main types of OTC medications thattreat heartburninclude:
H2 Blockers vs PPI: Which Is Best for Acid Reflux?
For Diarrhea
Formanaging diarrhea, OTC anti-diarrheal options include Imodium A-D (loperamide), which slows down gut movement, and bismuth subsalicylate products (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate), which helps reduce intestinal inflammation. These medications can provide quick relief and help manage uncomfortable symptoms of an upset stomach.
Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms continue after two to three days of taking these medications.
For Menstrual Pain
OTC medications can also help relieve stomach pain stemming frommenstrual cramps. Common options include:
Prescription Stomach Medication
In cases when OTC options aren’t effective or appropriate, prescription medications may be necessary. A healthcare provider will need to help identify what may be causing your stomach pain before prescribing medication. This may require blood work or medical tests to help determine the underlying reasons for your symptoms.
Though the lists below are not comprehensive, they provide examples of some prescription medications that target specific conditions known to cause stomach pain.
Forirritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C):
For irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D):
Forchronic constipation without a known causethat lasts at least three months (CIC):
Foropioid-induced constipation (OIC), Movantik (naloxegol) can be an effective option. Other examples are Amitiza (lubiprostone) and Relistor (methylnaltrexone).
Examples of prescription PPIs include:
It’s possible that none of the medications listed here are appropriate for your situation. The type of medication prescribed will depend on the specific cause of your symptoms.
In addition to medications, several nondrug remedies can alleviate mild stomach pain:
Common Causes of Stomach Pain
Stomach pain can have numerous causes, ranging from mild and temporary to more serious conditions. Common causes include:
How Do I Prevent Stomach Pain?
Preventing stomach pain often involves making lifestyle changes:
These and other lifestyle changes can provide valuable support in managing and preventing stomach-related issues. You can try these options alone or in addition to OTC or prescribed medications.
Less commonly, stomach pain can be a sign of a more serious condition—such as inflammation, gastrointestinal infections, or stomach ulcers. Recognizing the symptoms associated with potentially serious conditions can help determine when professional medical evaluation is necessary.
Though many causes of stomach pain can be managed at home, it’s important to seek medical attention for the following symptoms:
Summary
Stomach pain can arise from various causes, but many effective treatments are available. OTC medications can provide relief for common issues like constipation, gas, and heartburn. For more severe cases, prescription medications may be necessary. Additionally, lifestyle changes and nondrug remedies can help prevent future discomfort.
If you experience persistent or severe symptoms, contact a healthcare professional for guidance.
18 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Lakhoo K, Almario CV, Khalil C, Spiegel BMR.Prevalence and characteristics of abdominal pain in the United States.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021;19(9):1864-1872.e5. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2020.06.065
National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for constipation.
MedlinePlus.Simethicone.
National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for gas in the digestive tract.
National Institute Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for GER & GERD.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for diarrhea.
Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care.Overview: period pain.
Lacy BE.Managing IBS-C: focus on symptom control.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2024;20(4):216-226.
Lembo A, Sultan S, Chang L, et al.AGA Clinical Practice Guideline on the Pharmacological Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Diarrhea.Gastroenterology. 2022;163(1):137-151. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2022.04.017
American Gastroenterological Association.Pharmacological management of chronic idiopathic constipation.
Crockett SD, Greer KB, Heidelbaugh JJ, et al.American Gastroenterological Association Institute Guideline on the Medical Management of Opioid-Induced Constipation.Gastroenterology. 2019;156(1):218-226. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2018.07.016
Kumar LS, Pugalenthi LS, Ahmad M, et al.Probiotics in irritable bowel syndrome: a review of their therapeutic role.Cureus. 2022;14(4):e24240. doi:10.7759/cureus.24240
Bertin L, Zanconato M, Crepaldi M, et al.The role of the FODMAP diet in IBS.Nutrients. 2024;16(3):370. doi:10.3390/nu16030370.
American College of Gastroenterology.Abdominal pain syndrome.
Lacy BE, Pimentel M, Brenner DM, et al.ACG Clinical guideline: management of irritable bowel syndrome.Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116(1):17-44. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001036
Moloney RD, Johnson AC, O’Mahony SM, et al.Stress and the microbiota-gut-brain axis in visceral pain: relevance to irritable bowel syndrome.CNS Neurosci Ther. 2016;22(2):102-117. doi:10.1111/cns.12490
Hamaguchi T, Tayama J, Suzuki M, et al.The effects of locomotor activity on gastrointestinal symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome among younger people: an observational study[published correction appears inPLoS One. 2020;15(12):e0244465. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244465].PLoS One. 2020;15(5):e0234089. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0234089
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
