Medications that can cause abdominal pain in children
Many prescription and nonprescription medications can cause abdominal pain by irritating the stomach lining, which can lead to heartburn or ulcerlike symptoms. Medications that may cause these symptoms include:
- Nonsteroidal 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: February 16, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics | |
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