Almost everyone has experienced heartburn at one time or another. In fact, almost 40 percent of Americans have heartburn symptoms at least once a month. Heartburn and acid reflux occur when acid or other stomach contents back up into your esophagus, the long tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. Sometimes, acid reflux causes a sour taste in your mouth or a burning sensation that may begin under your breastbone before traveling up to your throat. In some instances, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a ring of muscle that helps keep food in the stomach after you swallow, may also become weakened, allowing food and stomach acid to travel back toward the mouth. If you generally follow a healthy diet but find that you’re experiencing heartburn, or if your heartburn symptoms coincide with starting a medication, you may want to look in your medicine cabinet for possible culprits. Heartburn Causes: Common Medications The following common medications can trigger or worsen acid reflux:
Ibuprofen. This common pain reliever belongs to a family of medications known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They are available over-the-counter (Advil, Motrin) and also by prescription. Heartburn, abdominal pain, and nausea are common side effects since these medications irritate the lining of the stomach and esophagus. Long-term use can even result in bleeding and stomach ulcers. The best way to avoid these effects is by following the dosage directions on the packaging and by not taking these medications on an empty stomach.Aspirin. The “wonder drug” is another NSAID that can cause heartburn and other digestive problems. If you take aspirin for pain relief, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a good alternative because it has a minimal, if any, effect on the stomach lining. If you take aspirin to help protect your heart, however, be sure to tell your doctor if you experience any stomach trouble or bleeding. Again, most of these issues can be avoided by taking aspirin with food to help minimize its effects on the esophagus and stomach.Osteoporosis medications. Bisphosphonates, such as alendronate sodium (Fosomax), ibandronate sodium (Boniva), and risedronate sodium (Actonel), can cause heartburn, nausea, and other gastrointestinal problems. Make sure you take these pills as directed in the patient information insert. Report any new or worsening heartburn, chest pain, or trouble swallowing to your doctor right away.Iron supplements. This mineral can help your body to make more red blood cells and fight iron-deficiency anemia, but it can also cause acid reflux, upset stomach, and constipation. Try taking iron pills with food and avoid taking them at bedtime.High blood pressure medications. Calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine (Procardia) and beta blockers such as propranolol (Inderal) can also cause heartburn. Speak to your doctor if you are experiencing problems. There are many high blood pressure medications available, and a different type of drug might be just as effective and yet cause fewer side effects.Anti-anxiety drugs. Diazepam (Valium) or lorazepam (Ativan) can sometimes cause nausea and heartburn. If your heartburn symptoms persist, your doctor will likely be able to prescribe another anti-anxiety medication instead.Tricyclic antidepressants. Amitriptyline (Vanatrip, Endep), imipramine (Tofranil), and nortriptyline (Pamelor, Aventyl) are among the tricyclic antidepressants that can cause acid reflux. Ask your doctor if a drug in another class of antidepressants might have fewer gastrointestinal side effects.Antibiotics. The antibiotic tetracycline isused to treat bacterial infections, including pneumonia, but can cause diarrhea, heartburn, and other side effects.
If you suspect that a medication is triggering heartburn, don’t stop taking you prescription drugs on your own. Call your doctor before you take the next dose. Your medical team may be able to make a substitution or suggest ways to prevent heartburn symptoms. Sometimes, simply changing the time of day you take your medication can help. Cool the Burn With Heartburn Medicine It’s important to treat heartburn, especially if you experience frequent symptoms. Over time, acid reflux can actually damage your esophagus. Talk to your doctor about whether prescription or non-prescription heartburn medicine is right for you. There are many over-the-counter heartburn medicines available:
Antacids like Mylanta or Maalox can counteract the effects of stomach acid.vH2 blockers such as ranitidine (Zantac), famotidine (Pepcid AC), and cimetidine (Tagamet) cut down on stomach acid production.Proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole (Prilosec, Prilosec OTC) and esomeprazole (Nexium) stop almost all acid production.
Making lifestyle changes, including losing weight if you are overweight, avoiding late night meals, and quitting smoking may also help put out the fire and ease your heartburn.
