Pharmacist Sonja Keizers answers
Pharmacist Sonja Keizers answers questions about medicines. This time: am I feeling bloated from my meds?
Can medicines make you feel bloated? I take lanoxin, amlodipine and esomeprazole.
Answer:
Bloating is caused by gas in the stomach and intestines. It’s an annoying feeling, but mostly harmless. The gas is formed by the action of intestinal bacteria and by air that you swallow, for example from carbonated drinks with ‘bubbles’. A bloated feeling can also arise if the food does not flow quickly enough from the stomach to the intestines. The complaints can also be a side effect of certain painkillers, such as ibuprofen and diclofenac. Of the medications you are taking, amlodipine can make stomach upset worse. It can help to avoid foods and drinks that are bothering you. Think, for example, of carbonated drinks, but also fatty and highly spicy food, cocoa, coffee and alcohol. Don’t eat too much. Herbal remedies, such as iberogast or peppermint oil, can provide relief.
Also send in your medicine question. That’s possible here.
Sources):
- Plus Magazine
