Which over-the-counter (OTC) medication is used to treat heartburn?

Famotidine, marketed as Pepcid, is used to treat conditions related to heartburn and acid reflux. It belongs to a class of medications known as H2-receptor antagonists, which work by decreasing the amount of histamine in the stomach, thereby reducing stomach acid production. This mechanism effectively alleviates symptoms associated with excess stomach acid, such as heartburn.

Docusate Sodium is primarily a stool softener used to relieve constipation. Loperamide is an anti-diarrheal medication that slows down bowel movements, and Guaifenesin is an expectorant that aids in the relief of coughs associated with respiratory conditions by helping to loosen mucus. None of these medications address heartburn, making Famotidine the appropriate choice for treating that condition.