Looking for the best heartburn relief medicine in Japan? In Japanese, heartburn relief medicine is called 胸やけのくすり (mune-yake no kusuri) or 胃薬 (i-gusuri), a general term for stomach medicine that can include remedies for heartburn. Almost everyone experiences heartburn from time to time. It’s not only painful but also inconvenient, so when that burning sensation strikes, you’ll want the best treatment to relieve it quickly.

To make things easier for you, we’ve gathered the top three heartburn relief medicine in Japan, all highly recommended by pharmacists. This guide also includes dosage information, approximate price ranges (which may vary depending on location and retailer), and important considerations before taking each medicine.

The two main active ingredients commonly recommended for heartburn medications available without a prescription in Japan are Famotidine (an H2 blocker) and Teprenone. Famotidine works within minutes by blocking histamine receptors in the stomach lining, reducing acid production, alleviating symptoms, and promoting healing of the affected area. Teprenone, on the other hand, doesn’t neutralize or reduce stomach acid but protects and heals the stomach lining while treating and preventing gastric ulcers.

Please note that this guide on heartburn relief medicine in Japan is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific condition.

HapYcom Famogas Tablets 10 (ハピコム ファモガス錠10)

Summary: HapYcom Famogas is an over-the-counter medicine designed to treat stomach pain, heartburn, and nausea. Widely available at most Japanese drugstores, it is highly recommended by pharmacists for quick and effective relief. See the images above for a reference to what these look like. 

Active Ingredient: Famotidine (10 mg per tablet).

Dosage: Adults (ages 15 to 80): Take 1 tablet, up to 2 times a day. Not suitable for children under 15 or adults over 80.

Price: Varies by pharmacy. Approximately ¥1,188 for 12 tablets.

Considerations: Drugstore staff recommend taking one tablet as soon as symptoms appear for optimal relief.

GASTER10 (ガスター10)

Summary: Unlike gastric acid-neutralizing medicines, GASTER10 is a gastrointestinal medicine highly effective for relieving stomach pain and discomfort, including a heavy feeling. It works by controlling excess gastric acid, alleviating unpleasant symptoms, and promoting the repair of the gastric mucosa.

Active Ingredient: Famotidine (10 mg per tablet).

Dosage: Adults (ages 15 to 80): Take 1 tablet, up to 2 times a day. Not suitable for children under 15 or adults over 80.

Price: Varies by pharmacy. Approximately ¥1,078 for 6 tablets or ¥1,738 for 12 tablets.

Considerations: Drugstore staff advised that one tablet effectively controls excess stomach acid for about 8 hours. If you decide to take this twice a day, ensure at least 8 hours between doses.

Selbelle Stomach Tablets (セルベール整胃錠)

Summary: Unlike the two medications mentioned above, Selbelle Stomach Tablets are designed for daily use and are recommended for individuals who regularly experience stomach issues, such as a heavy feeling in the stomach or heartburn. This medicine works by regulating a weak stomach with a protective mucus layer. Its main ingredient, Teprenone, increases gastric mucus production, which protects the stomach lining from irritation caused by stomach acid and other sources.

Active Ingredient: Teprenone (112.5 mg per tablet).

Dosage: Adults (ages 15+): Take 1 tablet, 3 times a day with water or hot water after meals. Not suitable for children.

Price: Varies by pharmacy. Approximately ¥1,045 for 21 tablets.

Considerations: When consulted, drugstore staff highly recommended this medication for individuals who frequently experience stomach discomfort. They noted that it is particularly beneficial for those who feel discomfort when applying pressure to their stomach or experiencing mild strain. Selbelle can be taken regularly for consistent relief.

General Considerations

How to Take:

• Hapicome Famogas and GASTER10: Take the correct dosage with water or hot water as soon as symptoms appear. Can be taken before, after, or between meals. Wait at least 8 hours before taking another tablet.
• Selbelle Stomach Tablets: Take the correct dosage with water or hot water after meals.

Consultation:

• Hapicome Famogas and GASTER10: Take another tablet if symptoms persist after 8 hours. Stop if symptoms subside. Consult a doctor if symptoms persist after 3 days or if used continuously for 2 weeks.
• Selbelle Stomach Tablets: Stop if symptoms subside. Consult a doctor if symptoms persist after 2 weeks.

This information is based on interviews with Japanese drugstore employees and available product data as of December 2024. Always read the product packaging and instructions carefully, and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or questions regarding treatment. 

For more information, read our full guide to drugstores in Japan.

This page has been brought to you as a public service of The Bluff Medical and Dental Clinic, Yokohama.