While we most often think of certain foods as causing heartburn, there are also some medications that may cause heartburn. This is a result of relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), irritating the esophagus, or slowing stomach-emptying.
Below are some of the medications that may cause heartburn. Each individual is different, so it's important to remember that while some medications trigger heartburn for some people, it may not be the case for you. If you do suspect that one of your medications is worsening your heartburn, it is important to talk to your primary healthcare provider. You should not stop taking your medication unless advised to do so by your doctor. While it may stop the heartburn, the consequences of suddenly stopping some medications can be worse than the heartburn.
Medications that may cause heartburn include:
- Anti-anxiety medications, such as Valium or Ativan
- Some antibiotics, such as tetracycline
- Anticholinergics
- Antihistamines, such as Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)
- Aspirin
- Beta blockers for high blood pressure or heart disease, such as Inderal (Propranolol), Tenormin (Atenolol)
- Bisphosphonates (for osteoporosis)
- Calcium channel blockers for high blood pressure, such as Procardia (Nifedipine), Cardizem (Diltiazem)
- Certain bronchodilators for asthma, such as Albuterol and Metaproterenol
- Chemotherapy drugs
- Dopamine
- Estrogen
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), which is a combination of estrogen and progesterone
- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) (e.g. ibuprofen and naproxen)
- Nitrates and nitroglycerin
- Progestin (e.g. for abnormal menstrual bleeding or birth control)
- Sedatives for insomnia or anxiety
- Some narcotics (e.g. Meperidine {Demerol} )
- Some steroid medications
- Tricyclic antidepressants, which include Tofranil (imipramine), Sinequan (doxepin), Norpramin (desipramine), Pamelor (nortriptyline)
- Potassium
- Iron supplements
- Theophylline
- Vitamin C
Sources
Carol Ann Rinzler; Ken DeVault, MD, First. Heartburn & Reflux For Dummies. Wiley Publishing, Inc, 2004. 163-176. Print.
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research - John E King, M.D., Editor in Chief, First. Mayo Clinic on Digestive Health. Kensington Publishing, 2000. 70. Print.
Steven R. Peikin, M.D., First. Gastrointestinal Health. First Edition. Harper Perennial (Harper Collins Publishers), 1999. 40. Print.
