Medications that can cause abdominal pain in children
Many prescription and non-prescription medications can cause abdominal pain by irritating the stomach lining, which can lead to heartburn or ulcer-like symptoms. Medications that may cause these symptoms include:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as:
- Ibuprofen, such as Advil.
- Naproxen sodium, such as Anaprox.
- Corticosteroids, such as prednisone.
Other medications can cause abdominal cramping, diarrhea, or constipation. Medications that may cause these symptoms include:
- Antibiotics, such as ampicillin, amoxicillin, erythromycin, tetracycline, sulfonamides, and clindamycin.
- Antidiarrheals, such as Lomotil or Pepto-Bismol.
- Laxatives, such as Ex-Lax or Correctol.
Your health professional may be able to prescribe another medication if your child is having abdominal pain caused by a medication. There may also be other ways to take a medication that will decrease the risk of abdominal pain.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: April 9, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics | |
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