Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, occurs when food and digestive juices from your stomach or small intestine back up into your esophagus. Levsin is a medication prescribed to treat muscle spasms and excess body fluid production, and it can both help acid reflux and contribute to it. Seek advice from your health care provider if you develop the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease or if you suspect Levsin is making your acid reflux worse.
Levsin
Levsin, the brand name for hyoscyamine, calms muscle spasms and serves as a treatment for digestive disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcers and spasms of the bladder or kidneys. It can also help ease the stiff muscles and muscular tremors associated with Parkinson’s disease. Because Levsin can reduce body secretions, it can help dry out a runny nose, decrease heavy sweating, reduce excessive salivation and inhibit the production of stomach acid. The physiological effects of this medication can impact gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Acid Reflux
During the normal digestive process, a muscle band located between your esophagus and your stomach tightens to close off your esophagus. Known as the lower esophageal sphincter, this muscle band prevents food and stomach acid from leaking back and upward. If your lower esophageal sphincter fails to seal off your esophagus, caustic digestive fluid can damage the cells lining your esophagus. This condition is known as acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease, with symptoms of heartburn, chest pain, belching, nausea and vomiting.
Levsin for Acid Reflux
As an antispasmodic, Levsin can decrease the strength and activity of your lower esophageal sphincter and make acid reflux worse. On the other hand, Levsin might improve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces. While neither the University of Maryland Medical Center nor the University of California San Diego note Levsin as a medication typically prescribed or contraindicated for acid reflux, it can potentially affect your condition. You should therefore inform your health care practitioner about your use of this medication and your experience with gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Considerations
Mild, occasional heartburn affects many people and is not necessarily a sign of acid reflux. If it is severe and unrelenting, however, it can damage the lining of your esophagus and predispose you to developing ulcers and precancerous changes in these cells. Minimizing bouts of heartburn can limit this type of cellular damage. In addition, if you take antacids for heartburn while you are on Levsin, avoid taking them at the same time, as antacids can interfere with the absorption of this medication.
