Can Painkillers Make Heartburn Worse? — Tampa Bay Reflux Center

There seems to be no end to the list of foods, drinks, and other lifestyle choices that can aggravate your heartburn symptoms, and most of us know the big triggers: spicy foods, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and fatty foods. But there’s another, little-known trigger that may surprise you.

Can Painkillers Cause Heartburn?

Unbeknownst to many chronic reflux sufferers, painkillers are one of the medications to avoid with GERD. But why do painkillers worsen reflux symptoms, and what can you do to reduce the impact on your GERD symptoms?

Painkillers, like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), work by artificially reducing inflammation in the body; they also block pain signals from reaching your brain. Unfortunately, these drugs contribute to a high-acid environment, especially in the stomach, where they are dissolved. While painkillers may not be the leading cause of your heartburn, they can undoubtedly aggravate it and make it far worse.

What To Do if Painkillers Aggravate Your Heartburn

#1: Switch Your Meds

If you find that painkillers seem to be giving you heartburn, the first thing to take note of is the kind of painkillers you’re taking. Common heartburn culprits usually include aspirin, naxproxen, and ibuprofen. So try switching to acetaminophen-based medications (like Tylenol). Acetaminophen is a good pain-killing alternative that in most patients has little, if any effect on the stomach lining, saving you from a reflux attack.

#2: Wean off the Medication

If your digestive system is particularly sensitive to reflux, however, simply switching medications may not do the trick. So instead, ask yourself why you are taking painkillers so often. If the pain is less disruptive than your heartburn, see if you can wean yourself off the pain medication or stop taking it altogether.

#3: Take a Lower Dose

You can also try taking a lower dose. If you can tolerate the lower dose with a little bit more pain一 but your acid reflux significantly improves一 you can make the call for yourself. Keep in mind that, while pain is difficult to deal with, continuous acid reflux can cause damage to the esophagus and even lead to cancer. Pain from a chronic condition won’t necessarily get worse. You have to make this decision and decide what to do if you find that a lower dose of pain medication relieves your GERD symptoms.

#4: Visit a Reflux Specialist

There are other options when it comes to alleviating your acid reflux symptoms. It’s not recommended that you take additional medications, especially if your GERD seems to be rooted in medication, to begin with. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and h3 blockers will alleviate your heartburn, but they don’t resolve the foundational issue: a weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

Furthermore, if you’re ready to kick GERD to the curb, we offer reflux surgeries to resolve your heartburn for good. Ready for a consultation? Contact our office today!

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Can you take TYLENOL® on an empty stomach? Learn how acetaminophen can be gentle on your stomach.

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Adult Relief•Stomach Conditions

Not all pain relievers are created equal, and can cause stomach or gastrointestinal (GI) damage. TYLENOL® can be a good pain relief option for those with stomach problems such as stomach bleeding, stomach ulcers, and heartburn.

TYLENOL® (Acetaminophen) is Safe on Sensitive Stomachs, When Used as Directed

For people with a sensitive stomach or for those with stomach problems, TYLENOL® can be a better choice of pain reliever and it’s the #1 doctor-recommended pain relief brand for those with stomach problems. Other pain relievers known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause stomach ulcers and are associated with an increased risk of severe stomach bleeding. TYLENOL® doesn’t irritate the stomach like naproxen sodium (Aleve®) or even ibuprofen (Advil®, MOTRIN®) can. With this, TYLENOL® can be an effective OTC pain reliever for those with a history of stomach bleeding, stomach ulcers, or stomach problems such as heartburn. (Third party trademarks are the property of their respective owners).

Can You Take TYLENOL® on an Empty Stomach?

Can you take TYLENOL® on an empty stomach? The answer is yes, you can! You may take the dose with a glass of water, but you don’t need any food in your stomach. Acetaminophen—the active ingredient in TYLENOL®—is gentler on the stomach than NSAIDs.

TYLENOL® & Stomach Problems

If you have a history of stomach problems, TYLENOL® may be a good pain relief option for you. Consider TYLENOL® if you have stomach problems, such as:^1,2

• Stomach ulcers
• Gastritis
• Heartburn or acid reflux
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Stomach bleeding

Acetaminophen can also be found in other OTC or prescription medications, so be sure to read the labels or check with your doctor if you have questions on your medications.

Does TYLENOL® Cause Stomach Bleeding?

Acetaminophen is a non-aspirin pain reliever that is generally safe and gentle on the stomach, when used as directed. Acetaminophen typically doesn’t cause stomach bleeding. In fact, it’s often recommended for people that have a sensitive stomach or certain stomach conditions. TYLENOL® works differently to help relieve headaches, fevers, and everyday aches and pains.

How Does Acetaminophen Work?

Most OTC Pain Relievers work by blocking the production of naturally occuring chemicals known as prostaglandins which play an important role in pain and inflammation. They do this by inhibiting two main type of enzymes, known as COX-1 and COX-2, which are responsible for prostaglandin production. COX-1 also plays an important role in the Gi tract to help maintain the stomach and intestinal lining, protecting them from harsh stomach acid. ^3,4

NSAIDs inhibit the COX enzymes to block the production of prostaglandins to alleviate pain. As a by-product, these medications can increase the risk for GI problems like ulcers and, in severe cases, stomach bleeding.⁵ On the other hand, doctors and researchers believe that acetaminophen may work by blocking prostaglandin production in the brain to alleviate pain. Since acetaminophen isn’t thought to affect the COX-1 enzymes in the GI lining, it rarely causes stomach bleeding or GI side effects.⁶

Know the Signs and Symptoms of Stomach Bleeding

If you notice any of the following symptoms of gastrointestinal (stomach) bleeding, be sure to seek medical attention immediately:⁷

• Feeling faint, weak, or dizzy
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Shortness of breath
• Vomit with bright red blood
• Vomit that looks similar to coffee grounds
• Having dark or bright red bloody or black stools
• Experiencing stomach discomfort or cramping that doesn’t get better

You can also learn about common stomach and gastrointestinal issues by clicking here.

Always Read and Follow Your Pain Medication Label

With millions of Americans taking pain medication every day, it is important to always read and follow the medication label and be aware of potential risks associated with such medications.

TYLENOL® & Stomach Safety FAQ

Are you wondering if TYLENOL® is safe for your stomach? We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about TYLENOL® and how it affects the stomach.¹

Is TYLENOL® Gentle on Your Stomach?

Yes, TYLENOL® is gentle on your stomach—in fact, it’s the #1 doctor-recommended pain reliever brand for people with stomach problems.

Third party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

JSC “Medical Initiative” – ​​Caring for a sick child

What to do when the temperature rises?

The most important thing is bed and drinking regimens. With a high temperature (above 38.5), it is important to limit the activity of the child, as running, cycling and other physical activities lead to an increase in temperature. First of all, the baby should be undressed to a T-shirt and underpants, while it is advisable to use cotton clothes, cover with a light sheet, and in case of chills, with a warm blanket until the chills, reddening of the skin or warming stop.

To keep the baby in bed, you need to spend time with him in an interesting way, for example, tell a story or turn on music. It should be remembered that at a high temperature, visual load is undesirable for a child (watching TV, playing on a console or computer, drawing, etc.).

As a rule, strict bed rest, in which only the kitchen and the toilet can be visited, is prescribed to children extremely rarely and for a short time, for example, with tonsillitis, scarlet fever, severe pneumonia.

From the moment the temperature normalizes or when subfebrile (37.5-38) bed rest can be canceled, but it is desirable that the child rest or sleep during the day.

High temperatures require drinking regime . A child should be given 1-1.5-2 liters of liquid per day (depending on age), mainly water or tea (it doesn’t matter if it’s black, green or herbal, with sugar or lemon). It is better to exclude juice in the first days of the illness, since appetite disappears at a temperature, and juice stimulates the production of digestive enzymes, thereby irritating the digestive tract mucosa, which can cause heartburn and discomfort. In addition, juices can stimulate motility and cause diarrhea, some of them (citrus, multifruit, pomegranate, carrot) can provoke allergies, which manifests itself in the form of various rashes. If the child asks for juice, then you should limit yourself to one glass a day after meals. Dried fruit compote (apples, pears, cherries, dried apricots, raisins), mono or a mixture, will be useful at high temperatures, but it should be borne in mind that prunes and dried apricots cause loosening of the stool, and the pear fixes this process. During the period of illness, some prepare fruit drinks from cranberries and (or) lingonberries. Remember that when using them, you should limit yourself to 1-2 glasses a day so as not to lose a lot of fluid, because fruit drinks have a diuretic effect, which in turn can lead to intensive elimination of antibiotics or other important drugs, as well as reduce them concentration in the blood and, as a result, reduce the effect of treatment. In addition, fruit drinks can contribute to increased formation of salts in the urine.

Drinking plenty of water helps to lower the temperature. With it, sweating increases, urination becomes more frequent (viruses, microbes, toxins and toxins are excreted in the urine). By the way, antipyretics “do not work well”, because as a result of their use the temperature does not decrease (or only a short-term effect can be achieved), most often due to the fact that the child refuses to drink water during illness. This is extremely important, because the body does not give up the water that it needs at a high temperature.

How to take antipyretics correctly?

Antipyretic drugs , mainly paracetamol (efferalgan, paracet, panadol, cefecon, Tylenol) and ibufen (ibuprofen, nurofen, MIG 400), also have both anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, but have a number of side effects (in including toxic). This should be remembered and applied correctly: no more than 4 times a day, after 6 hours, if possible after a meal, while drinking enough water. It is best to alternate antipyretic drugs (if you used paracetamol this month, then it is better to use ibufen next month, or change medicines every other day). Many believe that paracetamol does not help. This is primarily due to the dosage, which must be checked with the doctor. In addition, antipyretic should be taken only at temperatures above 38.5-39in the first three days of ARI illness, since taking these drugs at a lower temperature stops the production of its own interferon, lysozyme and turns off other immunity mechanisms, which sometimes contributes to the development of complications. Children under one year of age who are under the supervision of a neurologist and who have a history of seizures or recent traumatic brain injury should be given antipyretic at a temperature of 37.5. In addition, the antipyretic can also be taken at a low temperature, if the child does not tolerate it well (severe lethargy, headache), then in this case it is better to reduce the dose.

Can I take aspirin?

Do not give aspirin against the background of fever to children under 12 years of age with influenza, measles, chicken pox, as Reye’s syndrome (acute toxic damage to the liver and brain, sometimes fatal) may develop.

What about Coldrex, Fervex, ORVIcold?

These are combination preparations containing paracetamol, most of which can be used in children from 6-7 years of age, preferably in cases where high fever is combined with severe catarrhal symptoms (for example, runny nose, nasal congestion). Children are better off using a single drug due to the low risk of developing allergies and less likely to stress the liver.

Physical methods of cooling must also be remembered and known

They can only be used for rose fever (skin is pink, moist, hot to the touch). The room should be cool, the air temperature should be 20-22 degrees for the best heat transfer process. You can use a fan, but you should act carefully, as in children, cold air currents cause discomfort, crying. It is easier and more convenient to wipe the body with a napkin moistened with cool water, or apply a vinegar wrap (1 tablespoon 9% vinegar per 1 liter of warm water), in children of school age – wiping with vodka or alcohol diluted with water 1: 1. These procedures must be carried out 4-5 times, which usually leads to a decrease in temperature by 0.5-1 degrees. The use of a general bath (10-15 minutes) with warm water is very effective. The water temperature should be 2-3 degrees lower than body temperature (for example, 38 at 40). The well-being and mood of the child after such a procedure improves before our eyes.

In case of white fever, physical cooling methods are contraindicated. The patient should be wrapped up, a heating pad can be applied to the legs and a hot drink and papaverine or no-shpu should be given (the dose depends on age), and at a temperature of 39and above – make a lytic mixture or call an ambulance.

Medical sector specialist Erofeeva

Is Tylenol an NSAID or an analgesic? | Examination – Product Information

Home >> Product Information >> Is Tylenol an NSAID?

Prescription Information

Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are often the first line of defense against headaches, joint discomfort, and other minor ailments. Tylenol (acetaminophen) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are over-the-counter medications used to treat mild to moderate pain.

NSAIDs not only reduce or eliminate the feeling of pain, but also reduce inflammation. Many people are unsure if Tylenol, the brand name for paracetamol, is an NSAID. Tylenol is an analgesic (pain reliever) but not an anti-inflammatory so Tylenol is not considered an NSAID.

Learn more about the differences between Tylenol and NSAIDs, their side effects, and which is best for the different types of pain you may be experiencing.

What is the difference between paracetamol and NSAIDs?

Technically, acetaminophen blocks the brain from sending pain signals to affected areas of the body. It also reduces fever. In addition to being the active ingredient in Tylenol, acetaminophen is found in numerous branded products such as NyQuil Cold and Flu, DayQuil, Alka-Seltzer Plus, and Excedrin.

Tylenol may be useful in relieving mild to moderate pain associated with headaches, menstrual cramps, toothaches, etc. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen may be more appropriate if there is inflammation or swelling associated with pain. For some arthritis pain, joint pain, muscle pain, back pain and sprains, the anti-inflammatory properties of NSAIDs can help.

How to choose the right over-the-counter pain reliever

When choosing an over-the-counter pain reliever, it is helpful to know its generic name and whether it is an NSAID. Several factors will help you determine which pain reliever is best for you. This includes:

• Doctor’s advice or self-assessment of your specific medical condition
• Your age, weight, health status, etc.
• If you are taking other medications and whether they may cause adverse drug interactions
• Possible side effects of the drug

The table below shows the various brand name OTC drugs, their generic names and whether they are listed as NSAIDs. General dosage recommendations for adults are also listed. Many of these medications are available in alternative dosages and higher strengths. Prescription drugs such as Tylenol #3 are available for pain relief for severe and chronic pain.

RELATED: What is the best pain reliever?

Brand name	Generic name	NSAID?	General adult dosage information
Tylenol	acetaminophen	No	325mg per tablet 2 tablets every 4-6 hours Do not exceed 3000 mg per day
Advil, Motrin	ibuprofen	yes	200 mg per tablet 1 tablet every 4-6 hours Do not exceed 6 tablets per day 20 220 mg per tablet 1 tablet every 8-12 hours Not exceed 2 tablets within 8-12 hours or 3 tablets per day.
Buferin	aspirin/antacid	yes	325 mg per tablet 2 tablets every 4 hours Do not exceed 12 tablets every 24 hours
Bayer	aspirin	yes	325 mg per tablet 1-2 tablets every 4 hours Do not exceed 12 tablets in 24 hours.
Anacin	aspirin/caffeine	yes	400 mg aspirin and 32 mg caffeine per tablet 2 tablets every 6 hours Do not exceed 8 tablets per day

Most of the OTC drugs listed above should not be taken on an empty stomach It is recommended to drink a full glass of water with each dose. In addition, most of these over-the-counter drugs do not recommend using any over-the-counter pain reliever for more than 10 days in a row. Be sure to read the Medication Guide as dosage instructions may vary.

Pros and cons of paracetamol versus NSAIDs

You should always weigh the benefits and health risks associated with each type of medication before taking it. Pay attention to your health condition and any other medications you are currently taking. Side effects and drug interactions are important factors in determining which is better: paracetamol or NSAIDs.

For example, your doctor or pharmacist may recommend acetaminophen instead of ibuprofen if you are prone to stomach ulcers. If you are at risk for a heart attack, taking aspirin may be the right choice for you. However, if you are already taking a blood thinner, taking aspirin can be dangerous. Another drug, anacin, contains caffeine, which may or may not help.

Compare the pros and cons of these pain relievers below and ask your doctor for advice if you’re not sure which one is best for you.

Benefits of Paracetamol

Acetaminophen is less likely to cause stomach upset than NSAIDs. People with sensitive stomachs, stomach ulcers, or acid reflux are better off taking Tylenol over NSAIDs.

In addition, acetaminophen does not thin the blood. Acetaminophen may be a safer option than aspirin for people with bleeding disorders or those already taking anticoagulants.

Side effects of paracetamol

Some people have reported side effects of paracetamol, including:

• Sweating more than usual
• Nausea
• Bruising
• Weakness or dizziness
• Urination problems
• Dark stools
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Ask your doctor if you can use Tylenol and products containing acetaminophen if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as some of the drug may be passed to your baby.

You should not take Tylenol if you have liver disease or cirrhosis. Acetaminophen can further damage your liver and affect your ability to urinate. Also, combining alcohol with paracetamol can cause liver damage or failure.

The primary drug interaction of acetaminophen is self-limiting. Too much paracetamol can cause Tylenol poisoning. Some side effects include vomiting, loss of appetite, extreme fatigue, and stomach pain. Be careful when mixing medications containing acetaminophen such as Tylenol with DayQuil or NyQuil, Alka-Seltzer and Excedrin.

Allergic reactions to acetaminophen are possible. Stop taking the medicine and seek medical attention if you experience breathing problems, hives, or blisters. An overdose of Tylenol can be toxic, so don’t take more than the recommended amount.

Benefits of NSAIDs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have the added benefit of reducing inflammation. If you have swelling, NSAIDs may be more appropriate to treat your condition.

NSAIDs may also be safer and less addictive alternatives to prescription pain relievers such as OxyContin, Percocet and Vicodin. Your doctor may recommend NSAIDs for recovery from a minor injury or during physical therapy.

Naproxen was even voted the most effective NSAID for osteoarthritis of the knee in 2018 by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. And, depending on your medical condition, your doctor may recommend low-dose aspirin therapy to prevent blood clots and lower your risk of heart attack or stroke.

However, long-term use of NSAIDs is not recommended. This can cause serious side effects, which you can read about below.

Side effects of NSAIDs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may cause side effects including, but not limited to: Rhea or constipation

Stomach pain and heartburn associated with NSAIDs such as ibuprofen are generally more severe than with Tylenol. Ulcers may even develop. An increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding is also a potential side effect of NSAIDs, especially when taking aspirin.

People with medical conditions such as kidney or liver disease should avoid taking NSAIDs. In addition, combining alcohol with NSAIDs may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

NSAIDs can also increase blood pressure. Talk to your doctor before taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs if you have high blood pressure or if you are at risk for a heart attack or stroke. Aspirin is the only NSAID that reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and blood clots.

In addition, NSAIDs may cause side effects during pregnancy, such as an increased risk of miscarriage. US National Library of Medicine. When to take medication during pregnancy, so be sure to check with your doctor before taking pain medication while pregnant.

You may have an allergic reaction to NSAIDs if you have difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, or a skin rash.