“Pill Esophagitis” — The Case of Alendronate

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Abstract
Esophageal mucosal injury from the noxious effect of gastric contents refluxing up the esophagus is a common condition. Much less common is esophagitis from injurious agents passing down the esophagus, seen in its most dramatic form after the ingestion (usually accidental) of caustic alkali.1 The potential for medications, such as quinidine, potassium, and tetracycline derivatives, to cause esophagitis or discrete ulcers has recently been recognized.2 This effect usually results from prolonged contact of the medication with the esophageal mucosa and the ability of the drug to alter the local conditions, such as tetracycline's production of an acidic pH. It is . . .