Medicines That Can Cause Abdominal Pain

Overview

Many prescription and nonprescription medicines can cause belly pain or cramping. A few examples are:

  • Aspirin, ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin), and naproxen (such as Aleve).
  • Antibiotics.
  • Antidiarrheals.
  • Laxatives.
  • Iron supplements.

Your health professional may be able to prescribe other medicines if you are having abdominal pain caused by a medicine. There also may be ways to take a medicine that will decrease the chance that it will cause abdominal pain.

Credits

Current as of: March 1, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board:
William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine