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GERD: Can certain medications increase severity?
By Mayo Clinic staff
- With Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist
Michael Picco, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Michael Picco, M.D.
Michael Picco, M.D.
Dr. Michael F. Picco has been with Mayo Clinic since 1999. He is board certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology. Dr. Picco is an assistant professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and a consultant in gastroenterology at Mayo Clinic in Florida.
He has authored numerous publications in the area of gastroenterology, including original research, editorials and textbook chapters. He works with a team of gastroenterologists that takes care of complex gastrointestinal conditions and has a particular interest in diarrheal illnesses and inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease). He is also active in medical education in training new gastroenterologist and internists.
"MayoClinic.com is an invaluable resource for patients and their families," Dr. Picco said. "Informed patients are better able to participate in their own health care. A patient's participation is vital to the treatment of his or her disease. I hope to assist in helping patients understand their digestive problems and current treatments that are offered. This will allow for better communication between patients, their physicians and other health care professionals."
Dr. Picco serves as a reviewer of new research for several medical journals in the area of gastroenterology and is an active member of the American Gastroenterological Association, American College of Gastroenterology and the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America. He serves on numerous committees that address physician training, research and clinical practice in gastroenterology, both at Mayo Clinic and at the national level.
"Patients need to know about their disease, what to expect, the latest treatments and side effects so that they can make informed decisions about their health care. Gastrointestinal disease affects not only patients but also their families. My goal is to assure that our Web site provides accurate, reliable information and resources for patients. We must always provide the latest, most cutting-edge information to assist patients in dealing with their medical problems," Dr. Picco said.
Symptoms (1)
- GERD: Can certain medications increase severity?
Causes (1)
- Acid reflux and GERD: The same thing?
Complications (1)
- Laryngospasm: What causes it?
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Question
GERD: Can certain medications increase severity?
I've heard that some medications can aggravate the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Can you tell me more?
Answer
from Michael Picco, M.D.
Certain medications 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.
Normally, when you swallow, your lower esophageal sphincter — a circular band of muscle around the bottom part of your esophagus — relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow down into your stomach. Then it closes again. If you have GERD, this band of muscle doesn't work properly. Certain medications can further impair its function, including:
- Anticholinergics such as oxybutynin (Ditropan), hyoscyamine (Levsinex) and certain antidepressants.
- Sedatives or tranquilizers, including benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and temazepam (Restoril)
- Theophylline (Elixophyllin, Uniphyl)
- Calcium channel blockers and nitrates
- Progesterone
- Narcotics (opioids) such as codeine and hydrocodone
Also, some medications and dietary supplements — especially when used on a regular basis — can increase inflammation that GERD causes in the esophagus. These include:
- Potassium supplements
- Iron supplements
- Vitamin C supplements
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others)
- Antibiotics such as tetracycline
- Bisphosphonates, such as alendronate (Fosamax), ibandronate (Boniva) and risedronate (Actonel)
- Quinidine
If you have GERD, ask your doctor if medications you take may affect your symptoms.
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