Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40981244›Full record

ReviewPharmacy (Basel, Switzerland)2025

Empowering Pharmacists in Heartburn Management: Practical Insights for OTC Treatment and Self-Care.

Mary Barna Bridgeman, Ashok Hospattankar, Kamran Siddiqui, Nardine Nakhla

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Pharmacy (Basel, Switzerland), 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Mary Barna BridgemanErnest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08901-8554, USA.ORCID 0000-0001-7947-9875
Ashok HospattankarUS Medical Affairs, Haleon, Warren, NJ 07059, USA.
Kamran SiddiquiUS Medical Affairs, Haleon, Warren, NJ 07059, USA.
Nardine NakhlaSchool of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada.ORCID 0000-0001-6066-2522

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Heartburn is a prevalent and frequently self-managed condition, with a myriad of over-the-counter (OTC) treatment options available for self-care. The potential for misinterpretation of drug labels and improper OTC medication selection may result in inadequate treatment, potential drug interactions, as well as medication overuse, misuse, or delay in seeking treatment for a more serious health condition. As highly accessible healthcare professionals, pharmacists play a crucial role in validating self-diagnoses, in guiding appropriate OTC medication selection and use, and in educating patients on both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic management strategies for heartburn. It is essential for pharmacists to remain informed about the latest developments in disease management and treatment options. This narrative review provides an updated perspective on the epidemiology, risk factors, pathophysiology, and clinical manifestations associated with heartburn while underscoring the expanding role of pharmacists in patient care. This review includes a structured assessment framework and clinical management algorithm designed to enhance pharmacists' ability to identify red flag symptoms, optimize OTC medication use, and facilitate timely referrals when necessary. By incorporating evidence-based guidance with patient-centered counseling, pharmacists can enhance treatment outcomes, optimize, medication use, promote adherence, and ensure safer self-care practices. As self-medication trends and the role of pharmacists evolves, this review offers a comprehensive resource to equip pharmacists with the latest knowledge and practical tools for optimizing heartburn management and promoting patient safety.

Indexed as

acid refluxheartburnover-the-counter medicationspatient safetypharmacisttherapy optimization

Identifiers

PMID40981244
PMCPMC12452338

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.