The effect of anticholinergic agents on gastro-oesophageal reflux and related disorders

Abstract

The most important risk factor of oesophageal adenocarcinoma is gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is in itself a common disorder, giving bothersome symptoms. In daily clinical practice, anticholinergic drugs are believed to increase the risk of gastro-oesophageal reflux through effects on the lower oesophageal sphincter. In this review we discuss the available literature on the potential association between the use of drugs with anticholinergic properties and the risk of gastro-oesophageal reflux-related disorders.

Keywords::

• anticholinergic agents
• atropine
• gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
• oesophageal adenocarcinoma
• tricyclic antidepressants

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