Medications Can Cause Heartburn

It's good to be on the safe side, know how meds work

There are several methods for treating heartburn including natural cures, over-the-counter medicines, and prescribed medication. The challenge is in finding what works best for you. With so Many millions of people looking for relief it's no wonder that OTC for heartburn is big businrss. Studies show that 60-70% of people with heartburn get relief from over the counter medicines. One should remember that their recommended use is for short term treatment only, not more than two to three weeks at a stretch, unless otherwise directed by a physician. When symptoms linger a doctor might decide to treat with prescription medication. Remember, not all medication is right for everyone. Some can interact with other medication you are already taking. Below are some examples.

Let's Take A Look

Examples: Mylanta, Pepto-Bismol, Alka-Seltzer, Maalox, Tums, Rolaids. Generic versions are also available. All can be purchased without a prescription.
How they work: Antacids neutralize stomach acid that causes heartburn.

Who should take them: Antacids are for occasional heartburn. They act quickly, so they're especially useful if you have unexpected heartburn after a big, spicy meal. Antacids are not for long-term or frequent heartburn.

How to use them: Take the antacid as soon as you experience heartburn.

Disadvantages: Effects are brief. Symptoms may return in 30 to 40 minutes. Antacids treat symptoms but do not heal inflammation of the esophagus. The minerals used to neutralize acid can cause constipation (aluminum) or diarrhea (magnesium). Some products mix these two minerals to balance the effects.

The most common OTC medications are Antacids based on sodium carbonate or calcium or magnesium or aluminum that neutralize excess stomach acids by chemical reaction and provide quick relief from acidity, heartburn and indigestion. For those with high blood pressure, sodium based products should be used with caution. Other minerals like aluminum have been linked to Alzheimers.

Other Medications

Aspirin and other pain medications also will upset the stomach lining. In fact, one of the causes of ulcers is the use of aspirin and ibuprofen, the so-called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Labels say take on a full stomach.

Medications used for asthma and breathing difficulties weaken the LES, making it easier for stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus.

Certain patients taking these medications, especially theophylline, e.g., (Theodur), may experience heartburn. Asthma medications administered by an inhaler will cause less chance of heartburn.

Medications commonly used to treat heart and high blood pressure, such as calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, alpha-blockers, and nitrates, relax the LES and increase reflux of stomach juices into the esophagus, possibly contributing to heartburn.

Medications used to treat osteoporosis may injure the lining of the esophagus and lead to heartburn. Patients taking these medications should be sure to take them with a full glass of water and should not lie down for 30 to 60 minutes. Doing this reduces the chance of these medications causing injury to the esophagus. Finally, certain hormones, such as progesterone, a hormone contained in some birth control pills, may contribute to heartburn by relaxing LES pressure.

When deciding about which medicine to take for your heartburn, it is wise to look at other medications that you are using that might have an effect on heartburn. As mentioned, non-sterodial anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can increase the incidence of heartburn and cause ulcers. Aspirin and other pain medications also will upset the stomach lining. Medications used for asthma and breathing difficulties weaken the LES, making it easier for stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus. If you are unsure, check with your pharmacy for interactions and side effects.