Antacids and heartburn medications are the most-purchased over-the-counter category in America and two of them rank among the top 20 most prescribed prescription drugs of 2025: Omeprazole (Prilosec, Prilosec OTC) at #7 and Pantoprazole (Protonix) at #15. Both are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
In this episode, Dr. Bryan Ardis walks through the FDA-published side effect profiles of these PPIs – including respiratory reactions reported in up to 75% of omeprazole users (asthma, COPD, emphysema, bronchitis), vitamin B12 depletion, bone fractures, kidney and liver injury, and the link between chronic acid reflux and Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer. Then he lays out the natural, research-backed alternatives that soothe, protect, and restore normal digestion – without suppressing the stomach acid your body needs.
Source: https://rumble.com/v7b2xc4-the-dr.-ardis-show-top-20-drugs-acid-reflux-episode-06.10.2026.html