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For further information, see CMDT Part 17-17: Pill-Induced Esophagitis

KEY FEATURES

  • Various medications may injure the esophagus through direct, prolonged mucosal contact or mechanisms that disrupt mucosal integrity

  • Most commonly implicated

    • Alendronate

    • Clindamycin

    • Doxycycline

    • Emepronium bromide

    • Iron

    • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

    • Potassium chloride tablets

    • Quinidine

    • Risedronate

    • Tetracycline

    • Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole

    • Vitamin C

    • Zalcitabine

    • Zidovudine

  • Injury is most likely to occur if pills are swallowed without water or while supine

  • Hospitalized or bed-bound patients are at greater risk

CLINICAL FINDINGS

  • Severe retrosternal chest pain

  • Odynophagia

  • Dysphagia

DIAGNOSIS

  • Endoscopy reveals one or several discrete, shallow or deep ulcers

  • Severe esophagitis with stricture, hemorrhage, or perforation

TREATMENT

  • Prevention by instructing patients to take pills with 4 oz water and to remain upright for 30 minutes after ingestion

  • Known offending agents should not be given to patients with esophageal dysmotility, dysphagia, or strictures

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