• A side-effect of some medicines can cause dyspepsia. The most common culprits are anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen and aspirin. There are various other medicines which sometimes cause dyspepsia, or make dyspepsia worse. These include antibiotics, steroids, iron, calcium antagonists, nitrates, theophyllines, and bisphosphonates. (Note: this is not an exhaustive list. Check with the leaflet that comes with your medication for a list of possible side-effects.) If you suspect a prescribed drug is causing the symptoms, or making them worse, see your doctor to discuss possible alternatives.