Can Bystolic cause acid reflux? 

Can Bystolic cause acid reflux?

Yes, Bystolic (Nebivolol) can cause acid reflux. In fact, the entire class of beta-blockers can cause acid reflux, some more than others. Heartburn and acid reflux are common during the early course of treatment with Bystolic and it does start to get better as your body adjusts. 

However, people respond differently to medications. Some people may take longer to recover and gradually their body adjusts. A small number of people may not adjust to this medication, at all. 

Make sure you report your side effects to your doctor to determine the safety and efficacy of Bystolic as a long-term medication for managing your heart rate and blood pressure. 

If Bystolic is affecting your stomach persistently, talk to your doctor. Do not stop Bystolic abruptly. Your doctor may advise taking a lower dose to manage the side effects. However, do not reduce your dose on your own or split your tablets in half. Talk to your doctor first.

What to do if Bystolic causes acid reflux?

There are a few things that can help you with Bystolic-induced acid reflux. These include:

Take Bystolic with food

Taking this antihypertensive on an empty stomach can cause rapid absorption of the drug, which is usually associated with more pronounced gastrointestinal side effects. This is why you should always take Bystolic with food if it causes heartburn or acid reflux. 

Take OTC acid reducers 

There are plenty of OTC acid reducers that can help control the secretion of excess acid in your stomach. Common examples are:

  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) – Omeprazole, Esomeprazole, Pantoprazole, etc. 
  • Antacids – Milk of Magnesia, Tums, Pepto-Bismol, Gaviscon, etc. 
  • H2 receptor antagonists – Famotidine, Cimetidine, etc. 

Opt for a low-spice diet

Limit your spice intake to make sure your acid reflux doesn’t get worse. Too much spicy food can trigger acid reflux all on its own and can significantly damage your already-affected stomach. 

This is why you should stick to mild foods that can be easily digested, and avoid overfilling your stomach. 

Avoid caffeine and carbonated beverages 

Caffeine and carbonated beverages are known for increasing your gastric acid levels. Too much intake of these drinks can increase the severity of your acid reflux and damage the lining of your stomach for a long time. 

Final words

To sum up, the Bystolic-induced acid reflex is usually temporary and it starts to get better as your body adjusts to the medication. Gastrointestinal side effects are common with such medications, as your stomach is directly exposed to the medication and it can take some time to get used to it. 

However, if your acid reflex becomes severe or starts to affect the quality of your life, you should seek medical attention. 

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References

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MedlinePlus. Nebivolol [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [updated 2022 Apr 15; cited 2023 Feb 18]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a608029.html