Popular medications that cause heartburn

It isn't just unhealthy eating that can trigger heartburn. Characterized by a painful burning sensation in the lower chest or throat, heartburn occurs when the stomach acids back up into your esophagus.
When associated with gastric acid regurgitation more than twice a week, it may even cause gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Although, certain medications like antacids and H2 blockers help stabilize the condition, certain others can make the pain worse or even trigger the condition by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter.Let's take a look at some of these popular medications that can cause heartburn.
Ibuprofen: The anti-inflammatory medicine, Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil etc), can increase the production of gastric acids and thereby lead to heartburn. Apart from this, these drugs can cause peptic ulcers, GERD and even increase the severity of the symptoms in people with GERD. To avoid this, try acetaminophens or narcotics like Percocet.
Blood pressure drugs: A number of beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers used for treating high blood pressure can cause heartburns. Included in this list are drugs like Cardizem, Procardia, Vascor and Norvasc. These medications provoke the condition by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and allowing the acidic contents of the stomach to slowly seep up the food pipe. The ideal way to avoid this is by replacing them with other blood pressure drug alternatives.
Sleeping pills: If you suffer from heartburn, you should think twice before taking any sleeping pills or sedatives. These over-the-counter drugs not only relieve your anxiety and stress, but also relax your esophageal sphincter. This, in turn, may cause heartburns or GERD. Apart from this, certain prescribed sedatives may also damage your esophageal linings by increasing your nighttime exposure to stomach acids. This effect was studied in detail by researchers at the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia and was published in the September 2009 issue of the journal, Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Bone strengthening drugs: Certain drugs used for curing orthopedic conditions like osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis can be your “worst enemies” while suffering from heartburns and acid reflux. In fact, drugs like Fosamax and Bonivia can actually trigger such conditions and increase the painful burning sensations. So, if you are looking for bone healthy medications that are easier on your stomach, you can opt for the infusion drug – Reclast.
Aspirin: Another common culprit known for instigating or worsening symptoms of heartburns and GERD is the anti-inflammatory painkiller Aspirin. Although this drug is known to cure many ailments from mild headaches to even heart attacks; they worsen the symptoms of heartburns by relaxing the esophageal muscles. Moreover, aspirin also inhibits the formation of prostaglandins in the body which protects the digestive tract by regulating the gastric acid secretion.
Iron supplements: The relationship between heartburns and iron supplements is critical. Heartburns or acid reflux can often increase your risk of developing iron deficiency. This is because acid promotes the absorption of iron by the body. Decreased absorption, owing to heartburns, can set the stage for deficiency particularly while consuming foods low in minerals. On the other hand, iron supplements are often known to make acid reflux worse. To avoid this, work with your gastroenterologist to find the right solution for you.
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