I've heard that some medications can aggravate the symptoms of GERD. Can you tell me more?

Answer From Michael F. Picco, M.D.

Certain medications and dietary supplements can irritate the lining of your esophagus, causing heartburn pain. Others can increase the severity of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a chronic condition in which stomach acid flows back (refluxes) into your esophagus. This backwash of acid causes irritation and inflammation of the lining of your esophagus.

Medications and dietary supplements that can irritate your esophagus and cause heartburn pain include:

  • Antibiotics, such as tetracycline and clindamycin
  • Bisphosphonates taken orally, such as alendronate (Fosamax), ibandronate (Boniva) and risedronate (Actonel, Atelvia)
  • Iron supplements
  • Quinidine
  • Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and aspirin
  • Potassium supplements

Medications and dietary supplements that can increase acid reflux and worsen GERD include:

  • Anticholinergics, such as oxybutynin (Ditropan XL), prescribed for overactive bladder and irritable bowel syndrome
  • Tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline, doxepin, others)
  • Calcium channel blockers, statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and nitrates used for high blood pressure and heart disease
  • Narcotics (opioids), such as codeine, and those containing hydrocodone and acetaminophen (Norco, Vicodin, others)
  • Progesterone
  • Sedatives or tranquilizers, including benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and temazepam (Restoril)
  • Theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theochron)

If you have GERD, ask your doctor if medications you take may affect your symptoms.

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Jan. 06, 2022 See more Expert Answers

See also

  1. Asthma and acid reflux
  2. Bile reflux
  3. Breastfeeding and medications
  4. Cough
  5. Counting calories
  6. Diabetic Gastroparesis
  7. Gastroparesis
  8. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  9. Heartburn medicines and B-12 deficiency
  10. Honey: An effective cough remedy?
  11. What causes laryngospasm?
  12. Minimally invasive anti-reflux procedures
  13. Minimally invasive anti-reflux surgery
  14. Needle biopsy
  15. Nissen fundoplication
  16. Opera Star's Surgery
  17. Relaxation techniques
  18. Scleroderma
  19. Upper endoscopy
  20. Endoscopy
  21. Fundoplication
  22. X-ray