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GERD: Can certain medications increase severity?
By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heartburn-gerd/AN00720
- With Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist
Michael F. Picco, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Michael F. Picco, M.D.
Michael F. Picco, M.D.
Dr. Michael 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 College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 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.
"Mayo Clinic's website 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 website 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.
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- GERD: Can certain medications increase severity?
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Question
GERD: Can certain medications increase severity?
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, and 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
- Bisphosphonates, such as alendronate (Fosamax), ibandronate (Boniva) and risedronate (Actonel)
- Iron supplements
- Pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and aspirin
- Potassium supplements
Medications and dietary supplements that can increase acid reflux and worsen GERD include:
- Anticholinergics such as oxybutynin (Ditropan) prescribed for overactive bladder and irritable bowel syndrome
- Calcium channel blockers and nitrates used for high blood pressure and heart disease
- Narcotics (opioids) such as codeine and those containing hydrocodone and acetaminophen (Lortab, Norco, Vicodin)
- Progesterone
- Quinidine
- 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.
Next questionAcid reflux and GERD: The same thing?
- Heartburn and GERD. Facts & Comparisons. http://www.factsandcomparisons.com. Accessed Dec. 12, 2011.
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- Rohren CH (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 14, 2011.
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