Adult GERD Medication Refills Online
MD-only online GERD refill visits for adults with stable acid reflux symptoms and established medications. $49 flat-fee secure video visit, no insurance required, available in 25+ states.
TeleDirectMD focuses on continuation of non-controlled GERD medications when appropriate, safety screening for alarm symptoms, and a stepwise plan to use the lowest effective dose. Trouble swallowing, GI bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or persistent vomiting need in-person evaluation.
- Refills for stable GERD regimen when clinically appropriate
- Safety screen for alarm symptoms and medication side effects
- Step-down strategy and lifestyle guidance
- Adults only (18+)
What Is GERD?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is chronic reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus that can cause heartburn, regurgitation, sour taste, throat irritation, and cough. Many adults manage GERD with lifestyle measures and acid-suppressing medications such as proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers.
TeleDirectMD GERD visits are designed for adult medication continuation when symptoms and regimen are stable, with careful screening for alarm features that require in-person evaluation.
Symptoms and Red Flags
Stable GERD symptoms are often appropriate for telehealth refills. New or worsening symptoms may require in-person evaluation depending on severity and risk factors.
| Symptom or pattern | What it suggests | Telehealth appropriate? | Red flag requiring urgent in-person care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical heartburn after meals, improves with current medication | Stable GERD | Often yes | None if stable and controlled |
| Regurgitation or sour taste, stable pattern | GERD with reflux episodes | Often yes | Persistent vomiting, inability to hydrate |
| Nighttime reflux symptoms | GERD triggered by late meals or lying flat | Often yes | Choking episodes with breathing difficulty |
| Trouble swallowing or food sticking | Possible stricture or other esophageal disease | No | Urgent in-person evaluation and possible endoscopy |
| Black stools or vomiting blood | Possible GI bleeding | No | Emergency evaluation |
| Unintentional weight loss | Possible serious disease | No | In-person evaluation |
| Chest pain with exertion | Possible cardiac cause | No | Emergency evaluation |
Telehealth Eligibility for GERD Refills
TeleDirectMD can often continue GERD medications for adults when the regimen is stable and there are no alarm symptoms.
When a Video Visit Is Appropriate
- Adult 18+ with known GERD and stable symptom pattern.
- Medication is effective and tolerated.
- No alarm symptoms such as swallowing difficulty or GI bleeding.
- Goal is continuation, optimization, or step-down when appropriate.
- Physically located in a state where TeleDirectMD is available at the time of the visit.
Red Flags Requiring In-Person Care
- Trouble swallowing, food sticking, or painful swallowing.
- Black stools, vomiting blood, or anemia concerns.
- Unintentional weight loss or persistent vomiting.
- Chest pain with exertion or shortness of breath.
- Severe dehydration or inability to keep fluids down.
Refill Approach and Safety Screening
What TeleDirectMD reviews
- Symptom control and frequency of breakthrough symptoms.
- Medication name, dose, timing, and adherence.
- NSAID use, alcohol use, late meals, and trigger foods.
- Alarm symptoms requiring in-person evaluation.
- Medication risks and the plan for lowest effective dose.
Continuation principles
- Refills are best suited for stable adults on a consistent regimen.
- For long-term therapy, the goal is the lowest effective dose.
- Persistent symptoms despite therapy may require in-person workup.
- No controlled substances are prescribed.
GERD Treatment Options
TeleDirectMD focuses on safe continuation and optimization. Many adults do best with a combination of lifestyle changes plus targeted medication.
Lifestyle
- Avoid late meals, consider a 3 hour window before lying down.
- Elevate head of bed for nighttime symptoms.
- Limit trigger foods and large high-fat meals.
- Weight reduction can improve symptoms in some adults.
Medication options
- Proton pump inhibitors for frequent symptoms or erosive disease history.
- H2 blockers for milder symptoms or step-down plan.
- Antacids for occasional breakthrough symptoms.
When in-person care is needed
- Alarm symptoms or suspected complications.
- Persistent symptoms despite appropriate therapy.
- Need for endoscopy or specialty evaluation.
Medication Table for Adult GERD Refills
These are common adult regimens used for GERD. TeleDirectMD individualizes plans based on your history, prior workup, and symptom control.
| Medication | Dose | Duration | When used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omeprazole | 20 mg by mouth once daily | Ongoing or step-down plan | Common maintenance option for controlled GERD, often taken 30 minutes before breakfast. |
| Omeprazole | 40 mg by mouth once daily | Short term to ongoing | For more frequent symptoms or escalation plan when clinically appropriate. |
| Pantoprazole | 40 mg by mouth once daily | Ongoing or step-down plan | Alternative PPI option based on prior response and tolerability. |
| Famotidine | 20 mg by mouth 2 times daily | Ongoing | H2 blocker option for milder symptoms or step-down from PPI when appropriate. |
| Famotidine | 20 mg by mouth at bedtime | Ongoing | Nighttime symptoms or adjunct plan when appropriate. |
| Calcium carbonate antacid | 500 mg chew as needed | As needed | Occasional breakthrough symptoms when safe for the patient. |
TeleDirectMD does not prescribe controlled substances for GERD visits.
Home Care and Lifestyle
Lifestyle changes can meaningfully reduce symptoms and medication needs for many adults. TeleDirectMD uses a practical approach tailored to your triggers and schedule.
High impact changes
- Avoid late meals and large meals near bedtime.
- Elevate head of bed for nighttime reflux.
- Reduce alcohol if it worsens symptoms.
- Limit NSAIDs when possible and discuss alternatives.
When to recheck
- Symptoms worsen despite adherence.
- New alarm symptoms develop.
- Frequent breakthrough symptoms requiring repeated rescue meds.
- Questions about tapering or step-down plan.
TeleDirectMD GERD Refills: What to Expect
TeleDirectMD provides MD-only virtual urgent care for adults for $49 flat-fee video visits in 25+ states. Your physician reviews symptom control, current regimen, risk factors, and alarm symptoms. When appropriate, we continue non-controlled GERD medications and provide a stepwise plan to use the lowest effective dose, with clear guidance on when in-person evaluation is required.