Drugs causing dyspepsia

Causes

• NSAIDs
• bisphosphonates
• steroids

The following drugs may cause reflux by reducing lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) pressure

• calcium channel blockers*
• nitrates*
• theophyllines

BNF treatment summary for dyspepsia: 'Drugs that may cause dyspepsia, such as alpha-blockers, antimuscarinics, aspirin, benzodiazepines, beta-blockers, bisphosphonates, calcium-channel blockers, corticosteroids, nitrates, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), theophyllines, and tricyclic antidepressants, should be reviewed.’

Approach to Dyspepsia

Urgent

All patients who've got dysphagia

All patients who've got an upper abdominal mass

consistent with stomach cancer

Patients aged >= 55 years who've got weight loss, AND any of the following:

• upper abdominal pain
• reflux
• dyspepsia