Medicines or Vitamins That Can Cause Gas, Bloating, or Burping

Medicines or Vitamins That Can Cause Gas, Bloating, or Burping

Topic Contents

Overview

Many non-prescription and prescription medicines and supplements can cause gas and bloating. A few examples are:

  • Aspirin.
  • Antacids.
  • Diarrhea medicines, such as Imodium, Kaopectate, and Lomotil.
  • Opioid pain medicines.
  • Fibre supplements and bulking agents, such as Citrucel, Fiberall, and Metamucil.
  • Multivitamins and iron pills.

If you think that your gas, burping, or bloating may be caused by a medicine or supplement:

  • Call the doctor who prescribed the medicine before you take the next dose to find out if you should stop taking the medicine or take a different one. An appointment may not be needed.
  • If you are taking a medicine or supplement that was not prescribed by a doctor, stop taking it. Call your doctor if you feel that you need to continue taking the medicine or need help controlling your symptoms.

Credits

Current as of: March 1, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
H. Michael O'Connor MD - Emergency Medicine