Medication-induced oesophageal injury. Survey of the literature

This is a review of the 127 cases of drug-induced oesophagitis reported in the English language literature since 1970. The most common symptoms reported were retrosternal pain, odynophagia, and dysphagia. Most cases were self-limited and symptoms resolved in 7 to 10 days with symptomatic therapy. Occasionally, severe odynophagia or dysphagia necessitated hospitalisation. Emepronium bromide, tetracycline and its derivatives, potassium chloride, and quinidine account for 89% of the reported cases of medication-induced oesophageal injury. 14 other medications have been reported to injure the oesophagus. Serious sequelae, including death, have been linked to potassium-induced oesophageal injury. With other medications, however, serious complications were rare. The diagnostic study of choice is endoscopy; an air-contrast barium swallow may also detect the often subtle mucosal abnormalities produced by medication injury. However, the diagnosis does not require confirmation by radiographical or endoscopic means in all cases, and the history alone may be sufficient to make the diagnosis in uncomplicated cases. Medication-induced oesophageal injury is preventable if pills are taken with an adequate amount of fluid and if the practice of taking medications immediately before bedtime is avoided.