Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Medications to Avoid During Upper GI Hemorrhage

If you're experiencing upper gastrointestinal bleeding, it's crucial to be cautious about the medications you take. Certain drugs can worsen the condition or interfere with the body's natural clotting process, prolonging bleeding and delaying recovery.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) to Avoid

One of the most important categories of medications to avoid during upper GI bleeding is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These include aspirin enteric-coated tablets, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, and compound paracetamol tablets (II). NSAIDs are known to irritate and damage the gastric mucosa, increasing the risk of further bleeding and delaying the healing process.

Blood-Thinning and Anticoagulant Medications

In addition to NSAIDs, patients should avoid medications that have blood-thinning or anticoagulant properties. This includes drugs such as clopidogrel bisulfate tablets and warfarin sodium tablets. These medications can impair normal blood clotting, making it more difficult for the body to stop the bleeding naturally.

Herbal and Traditional Medicine Considerations

Even some herbal and traditional medicines that are commonly used to improve circulation should be avoided. Products such as Sanqi powder or tablets (Panax notoginseng), ginkgo biloba extract, alprostadil, and xueshuantong capsules may seem beneficial for circulation, but they can actually increase the risk of continued bleeding in individuals with upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

Special Caution with Herbal Preparations

It's also important to be aware that traditional Chinese herbal decoctions containing ingredients like Sanqi or ginkgo biloba should not be consumed during an episode of gastrointestinal bleeding. These components can interfere with clot formation and potentially aggravate the bleeding.

In summary, during an episode of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, it is essential to avoid NSAIDs, anticoagulants, and certain circulation-enhancing herbal remedies. Always consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your condition.