Clinical Toxicity: Esophagus

Drug-induced esophagitis has been increasingly recognized in the past few years, with the most severe injuries resulting from the ingestion of caustic alkali, usually accidentally in children. Esophageal injuries from acid occur more commonly in some developing countries. Numerous medications have been implicated in the production of esophageal injury, which occurs via systemic effects or by causing direct esophageal mucosal injury, with elderly patients in particular being at risk. More than 30 medications have now been implicated in causing drug-induced esophagitis.