Drug-induced dysphagia is a subjective sensation of difficulty swallowing or dysfunctional swallowing due to the effects of medication. This can manifest as difficulty initiating a swallow, a choking or coughing sensation, or aspiration. Drug classes that may contribute to difficulty swallowing include neuroleptics, chemotherapy agents, antihypertensives, tricyclic antidepressants, anticholinergics, antihistamines, antiparkinsonian agents, and other drugs that impair saliva production.

Optimal treatment of drug-induced dysphagia is discontinuation of the offending agent. If that is not feasible, changing formulations, increasing water intake concurrent with dosing, or swallow rehabilitation may be helpful.

Related Topics: Drug-induced cough, Drug-induced esophagitis