The present invention relates to the discovery that a hydrated salt form of zinc exhibits enhanced activity in reducing the acidity of gastric juice in a subject in need when compared to typical zinc salts. According to the invention, a zinc salt hydrate may be used alone or in combination with an additional zinc salt hydrate. Optionally these zinc salt hydrate(s) may be combined with at least one additional zinc salt. The zinc salt hydrate may be further combined with one or more of a protein pump inhibitor (PPI), H2 blocker, anti-H. pylori antibiotic/antimicrobial, cytoprotective agent or a combination agent or additional therapeutic agents for providing fast action with optional long duration effect in reducing gastric acid secretion. In addition, the proposed methods are useful for treating patients who are non-responsive to proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and as an alternative to traditional therapies or conditions which are caused by rapid and complete inhibition of secretagogue induced acid secretion.
