GERD: Can certain medications increase severity?

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
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others)
• Potassium supplements

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

• Anticholinergics such as oxybutynin (Ditropan)
• Calcium channel blockers and nitrates
• Narcotics (opioids) such as codeine and those containing hydrocodone (Lortab, 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.