Can Advil (ibuprofen) relieve heartburn?
Advil does not treat heartburn. Heartburn is caused by acid irritating the esophagus, and ibuprofen (Advil) is not an acid-reducer or anti-heartburn medication.
In fact, ibuprofen can make reflux symptoms worse for some people because it can irritate the stomach and may increase the risk of gastrointestinal upset.
What is the safer choice for heartburn?
For typical heartburn, people usually use one of these:
- Antacids (fast, short-term relief)
- H2 blockers (reduce acid for several hours)
- Proton pump inhibitors (stronger acid suppression, longer relief)
Why can Advil make heartburn worse?
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs can:
- irritate the stomach lining
- increase the risk of gastritis or ulcers
- trigger or worsen indigestion and reflux symptoms in some people
What should you use instead if you need pain relief?
If you need something for pain while you have heartburn, the usual approach is to choose a medication that’s less likely to irritate the stomach. Many people ask about acetaminophen (Tylenol) because it does not have the same stomach-irritating effects as ibuprofen.
When heartburn needs medical attention
Get medical help urgently if you have chest pain that could be heart-related, trouble swallowing, vomiting blood, black/tarry stools, or unintentional weight loss. Also see a clinician if heartburn is frequent (for example, most days) or not improving with over-the-counter treatment.
Sources
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