GERD: Can certain medications make it worse?

Updated: 2022-01-06

Answer Section

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.