Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition where the acidic contents of the stomach flow back up into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing.

While certain medications can help to manage GERD symptoms, others can actually make the condition worse. In this article, we’ll cover some of the medications that may aggravate GERD and what you can do to manage the symptoms.

1. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and aspirin are commonly used to treat pain, inflammation, and fever, but they can also irritate the lining of the stomach and increase acid production. This can lead to symptoms of GERD such as heartburn and indigestion.

If you frequently use NSAIDs and experience GERD symptoms, talk to your doctor about alternative pain relief options.

2. Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium channel blockers are a type of medication used to treat high blood pressure, angina, and other cardiovascular conditions.

While they can be effective, they can also relax the muscles in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is the muscular ring that separates the esophagus from the stomach. When the LES is weakened, stomach acid can flow back up into the esophagus, leading to GERD symptoms. If you are taking a calcium channel blocker and experiencing GERD symptoms, talk to your doctor about switching to a different medication.

3. Antibiotics

Antibiotics are commonly used to treat bacterial infections, but they can also disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the gut and lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria.

This can cause inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract, leading to symptoms of GERD.

If you are taking antibiotics and experiencing GERD symptoms, talk to your doctor about additional measures you can take to protect your digestive health, such as taking a probiotic supplement or eating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and sauerkraut.

4. Bisphosphonates

Bisphosphonates are a type of medication used to treat osteoporosis and other bone conditions, but they can also irritate the lining of the esophagus and cause inflammation and ulcers.

This can lead to symptoms of GERD such as heartburn and difficulty swallowing. If you are taking bisphosphonates and experiencing GERD symptoms, talk to your doctor about alternative treatment options.

5. Iron Supplements

Iron supplements are commonly recommended for people with iron deficiency anemia, but they can also cause digestive side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation. These side effects can exacerbate GERD symptoms and make the condition worse.

If you are taking iron supplements and experiencing GERD symptoms, talk to your doctor about alternative ways to increase your iron levels, such as changing your diet or taking a different type of supplement.

6. Potassium Supplements

Potassium supplements are often prescribed to people with low levels of this essential mineral, but they can also irritate the lining of the stomach and cause acid reflux symptoms.

If you are taking potassium supplements and experiencing GERD symptoms, talk to your doctor about alternative ways to increase your potassium levels, such as changing your diet or taking a different type of supplement.

7. Sedatives

Sedatives such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates are commonly prescribed to help people relax and fall asleep, but they can also relax the muscles in the LES and lead to GERD symptoms.

If you are taking sedatives and experiencing GERD symptoms, talk to your doctor about alternative ways to manage your anxiety or sleep issues.

8. Tricyclic Antidepressants

Tricyclic antidepressants are a type of medication used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions, but they can also relax the muscles in the LES and increase the risk of GERD symptoms.

If you are taking tricyclic antidepressants and experiencing GERD symptoms, talk to your doctor about alternative medication options.

9. Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Nicotine replacement therapy is often used to help people quit smoking, but it can also increase the risk of GERD symptoms. Nicotine can relax the muscles in the LES and lead to acid reflux.

If you are using nicotine replacement therapy and experiencing GERD symptoms, talk to your doctor about alternative ways to quit smoking.

10. Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are a type of medication used to reduce inflammation throughout the body, but they can also increase the risk of GERD symptoms. Corticosteroids can weaken the LES and increase acid production in the stomach, leading to symptoms of GERD.

If you are taking corticosteroids and experiencing GERD symptoms, talk to your doctor about alternative medication options.

Conclusion

While certain medications can be helpful in managing GERD symptoms, others can make the condition worse.

If you are experiencing GERD symptoms and taking any of the medications listed above, talk to your doctor about alternative treatment options or ways to manage the symptoms. In addition to medication management, lifestyle changes such as avoiding trigger foods, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing stress can also help to manage GERD symptoms.