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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Medication Compatability
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Medication Compatability
by BT__0, Jul 22, 1998 12:00AM
I am receiving drug tharapy for GERD and Barrett's esophagus:Prilosec, 20 mg twice/day. I am carefully following instructions regarding diet and sleep arrangement,etc. I also have been advised to take half asperin per day as "coronary" insurance, and Saw Palmetto capsules for a prostate problem. Will the asperin and/or Saw Palmetto aggravate the reflux and acid condition? Or can I take these things with safety, in your opinion?
______________________
Dear "BT",
I am happy to learn that you are on a drug regimen for GERD and Barrett’s esopahgus along with lifestyle modifications. These steps should significantly improve your reflux symptoms.
You have asked us about the possibility that aspirin or Saw Palmetto affecting your reflux symptoms. Aspirin can cause ulcers in any portion of the gastrointestinal tract. More specifically in the esophagus it can occasionally cause inflammation and ulcers. The mechanisms for this result are twofold. Firstly, if there is prolonged contact of the pill with the lining of the esopahgus damage to the lining will result. This effect can be minimized by taking aspirin with food and water and by not lying down for 1-2 hours after taking the aspirin. Secondly, and more importantly, aspirin can cause damage to the lining of the esopahgus and make it more susceptible to refluxed acid. Acid suppression with Prilosec may not completely prevent this problem since the aspirin-damage to the lining will still occur.
Aspirin is an effective drug for many medical conditions. The benefits of that may far outweigh the potential risk of esophageal ulcers, inflammation or ulcers in any other part of the gastrointestinal tract such as the stomach or small bowel. Have you had any cardiac events or is there a strong family history of cardiac disease? The degree of risk with aspirin is proportional to the dose of the drug. You need to discuss with your doctor the indications and the doses of aspirin required and tailor your medical regimen accordingly.
Saw Palmetto is a herbal medication that some people use for prostate enlargement. I do not believe there is any good quality data available about side-effects or complications. Therefore I cannot predict how it will interact with your GERD.
I hope we have been able to answer some of your questions. This information is presented for educational purposes only. Always consult your personal physician for specific medical questions.
HFHSM.D.-sg
*keywords; esophageal reflux
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