What should you know about medications that cause acid reflux?

A medicine may make reflux more likely by reducing the pressure of the valve between the stomach and oesophagus, delaying stomach emptying, or irritating the lining directly. The timing of burning behind the breastbone, sour fluid, cough, or difficulty sleeping can help identify a pattern. Other factors, such as a hiatus hernia, higher body weight, large meals, or lying down soon after eating, may add to symptoms. A suspected medicine is not proof that it is the only cause.

Make a list of prescriptions, pain medicines, supplements, and products bought without a prescription, including when each is taken. Discuss alternatives, dose timing, or acid-reducing treatment with a clinician or pharmacist. Do not crush, split, or move a dose unless the instructions allow it. Smaller meals, staying upright after eating, and raising the head of the bed may reduce night symptoms for some people. Avoiding personal triggers can also help.

Get urgent help for chest tightness with sweating, breathlessness, faintness, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw. Seek prompt assessment for vomiting blood, black stools, food sticking, repeated vomiting, unexplained weight loss, or severe abdominal pain. Arrange a review if reflux is frequent, disrupts sleep, or continues despite an agreed treatment plan.

Ask which of your medicines could contribute, whether an alternative is suitable, and whether changing the time of a dose is safe. Ask how long to try the plan, which warning symptoms matter, and whether persistent cough or throat symptoms need a separate assessment.