While some medications can relieve heartburn, others can cause or worsen it. Medications that commonly trigger heartburn include antibiotics, iron or potassium supplements, and tricyclic antidepressants.

1. Antibiotics

Antibiotics, particularly tetracyclines, can cause heartburn. If you experience frequent heartburn and need an antibiotic, talk to your healthcare provider. An enteric-coated pill might be gentler on your digestive system.

2. Aspirin

Aspirin can increase stomach acid production, leading to heartburn. It also prevents the formation of protective prostaglandins in the digestive tract, allowing excess acid to be released.

3. Blood Pressure Drugs

Blood pressure medications such as calcium channel blockers and beta blockers can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing stomach acid to seep into the esophagus, causing heartburn.

4. Bone-Strengthening Drugs

Drugs for osteoporosis, known as bisphosphonates, like alendronate (Fosamax) and ibandronate (Boniva), often cause heartburn. Taking these medications with a full glass of water and not lying down afterward may reduce symptoms.

5. Ibuprofen

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and other NSAIDs can trigger heartburn by increasing stomach acid and reducing protective prostaglandins. Consider alternative pain medication options if ibuprofen worsens your heartburn.

6. Iron Supplements

Iron supplements can irritate the esophagus, leading to acid reflux. Research suggests that iron in pill form may cause gastritis, inflammation of the stomach lining. If you need iron supplements, consult with your healthcare provider.

7. Potassium Supplements

Potassium supplements, taken to treat low potassium levels, can irritate the esophagus and lead to heartburn. To minimize this, take the medicine while sitting up and drink plenty of water.

8. Respiratory Drugs

Medications for asthma, such as theophylline and beta2-agonists (e.g., albuterol), can worsen heartburn by relaxing the LES.

9. Sleeping Pills and Sedatives

Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan), can relax the LES, leading to heartburn. Lying down after taking these medications can also aggravate acid reflux.

10. Tricyclic Antidepressants

Older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), like imipramine and amitriptyline, may contribute to heartburn by slowing stomach emptying and relaxing the LES.

What Is Heartburn?

Heartburn is a type of indigestion that occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more severe form of frequent heartburn.

How To Treat Medication-Induced Heartburn

  • Take medications with plenty of water.

  • Drink water with a higher pH, such as alkaline water, which may help reduce reflux symptoms.

  • Take your medication with food if recommended by your healthcare provider.

  • Always take medications while sitting upright and wait at least 30 minutes before lying down.

Lifestyle Changes To Improve Symptoms

To reduce or prevent heartburn, try the following changes:

  • Avoid tight clothing

  • Eat smaller meals

  • Exercise regularly

  • Lose weight if needed

  • Quit smoking

  • Reduce stress

  • Sleep with your head elevated

  • Wait at least three hours to lie down after eating

When To Contact a Healthcare Provider

Consult a healthcare provider about alternative medications if heartburn persists. See a provider if you experience:

  • Difficulty swallowing food

  • Frequent heartburn

  • Persistent coughing or wheezing

  • Unintentional weight loss

  • Worsening symptoms despite treatment

Seek immediate medical care if you experience heartburn along with:

  • Chest pain

  • Bloody stools or vomit

A Quick Review

Certain medications like antibiotics, pain relievers, and bone-strengthening drugs can trigger heartburn. If your medication is causing heartburn, discuss alternative options with your healthcare provider. Lifestyle changes, such as eating smaller meals and avoiding trigger foods, can help reduce symptoms.