Omeprazole
About Omeprazole
Omeprazole belongs to the class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach ulcer, and Zollinger Ellison syndrome (overproduction of acid due to pancreatic tumour). Normally a thick layer of mucous protects the stomach against its own acid secretion. But, in the long run, it gets eroded by excessive stomach acid production, leading to complications like GERD, peptic ulcer, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Omeprazole contains omeprazole, which helps reduce stomach acid by blocking the actions of an enzyme (H+/K+ ATPase or gastric proton pump). This proton pump lies in the stomach wall cells and is responsible for releasing gastric acid secretion. Omeprazole prevents the release of stomach acid and relieves symptoms of food pipe lining inflammation (esophagitis), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or heartburn.
Omeprazole may cause common side effects like stomach pain, gas formation (flatulence), nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and headache. These side effects are temporary and may be resolved after some time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, contact the doctor.
Omeprazole should not be given to the patient suffering from Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea. Consult the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you have stomach or intestinal cancer, liver problems, are allergic to any components in Omeprazole, or will have an endoscopy in the future. Ask your doctor if you should stop taking Omeprazole a few weeks before your endoscopy as it may hide some of the problems that would be spotted during an endoscopy. Prolonged use of Omeprazole may be associated with an increased risk for osteoporosis-related fractures of the hip, wrist or spine due to loss of magnesium. Avoid using Omeprazole with St John’s Wort (plant-based antidepressant), rifampin (antibiotic) and methotrexate (anti-cancer and anti-arthritis medicine) due to the severe drug interaction.
Uses of Omeprazole
Medicinal Benefits
Omeprazole is effective at healing erosive esophagitis (inflammation of food pipe), relieving symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (heartburn), and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, stomach ulcers. Omeprazole works by irreversibly blocking the proton pump gate (which secretes stomach acid).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Omeprazole
- Stomach pain
- Gas formation (flatulence)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
Drug Warnings
Omeprazole should not be given to the patient suffering from Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea. Consult the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you have stomach or intestinal cancer, liver problems, are allergic to Omeprazole or will have an endoscopy in the future. Ask your doctor if you should stop taking Omeprazole a few weeks before your endoscopy as it may hide some of the problems that would be spotted during an endoscopy. Prolonged use of Omeprazole may be associated with an increased risk for osteoporosis-related fractures of the hip, wrist or spine due to loss of magnesium. Avoid using Omeprazole with St John’s Wort (plant-based antidepressant), rifampin (antibiotic) and methotrexate (anti-cancer and anti-arthritis medicine) due to the severe drug interaction.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Omeprazole may interact with a blood thinner (clopidogrel, warfarin), antifungal (ketoconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole), anti-HIV drug (atazanavir, nelfinavir), iron supplements, antibiotic (ampicillin, rifampicin), heart medicine (digoxin) and anti-cancer drug (methotrexate). Let your doctor know if you are taking these medicines.
Drug-Food Interactions: Omeprazole interact with St John's wort plant that is used as an anti-depressant. This plant may affect the working of Omeprazole. So avoid its intake with Omeprazole.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Omeprazole should be not given in patients with C. difficile induced colitis, liver disease, bone fractures, low Vitamin B12 (anaemia), low magnesium (hypomagnesemia).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionDrinking alcohol with Omeprazole may cause dehydration and elevate the level of stomach acid thereby decreasing its efficiency. So try to avoid, limit alcohol or contact doctor before intake of Omeprazole.
Pregnancy
cautionIt is not known whether Omeprazole affects the baby or not. So, contact a doctor before taking Omeprazole if you are pregnant. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you.
Breast Feeding
cautionOmeprazole passes into the breast milk. However, no evidence of risk has been reported. Please consult your doctor before taking Omeprazole if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you.
Driving
cautionIn some cases, Omeprazole may cause dizziness, sleepy, or blur vision. If you observe these symptoms do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you feel better.
Liver
cautionOmeprazole should be taken with precaution in patients with liver disease.
Kidney
cautionPatients with kidney disease should consult a doctor before taking Omeprazole.
Children
cautionOmeprazole should not be prescribed for children under 1 years of age. Omeprazole is generally prescribed from 1-12 years of children for the treatment of acid-related damage of the food pipe (erosive esophagitis).
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid intake of acid or heartburn triggering foods or drinks like onions, peppermint, chocolate, caffeinated beverages, citrus fruits or juices, tomatoes and high-fat and spicy foods.
- Before going to sleep try to raise your bedhead so that your head and chest are higher than your feet. Do not use piles of pillows, instead, one raised block is fine. This will not allow the stomach acid to backflow through your food pipe.
- Avoid taking alcohol and smoking cigarette. Alcohol can raise the level of production of stomach acid leading to heartburn and acid reflux. On the other hand, nicotine smoking damages the valve (sphincter) which prevents backflow of the stomach acid back into the food pipe.
- Include high fibre containing foods, berries, cherries, leafy green veggies (kale, spinach) and black peppers in your meal. These foods are full of antioxidant, calcium and vitamin B 12 that can help cope with the long term effects of the medicine. Fermented dairy products like miso, sauerkraut, and kimchi contain probiotics which help in the prevention of excess stomach acid production. Cranberry juice can be beneficial in the peptic ulcer and H Pyroli infection.
- Avoid regular sitting continuously, as it can increase stomach acid production. Try to take a break of 5 minutes in 1 hour by brisk walking or stretching.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): It is a gastrointestinal disorder that occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the food pipe (oesophagus). This backflow (acid reflux) irritates the food pipe and causes heartburn.
Peptic ulcers: It is a painful condition followed by the development of sores or ulcers in the stomach lining or duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) (the duodenum).
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: It is a rare condition in which a gastrin-secreting pancreas tumour causes excessive acid production, leading to peptic ulcers.
FAQs
Omeprazole is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach/peptic ulcer, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (overproduction of acid due to the pancreatic tumour).
Omeprazole prevents the release of stomach acid and relieves symptoms of food pipe lining inflammation (esophagitis), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or heartburn.
Prolonged intake of Omeprazole may lead to atrophic gastritis (inflammation of stomach cells), Vitamin B12 deficiency and weakening of bones or osteoporosis (loss of calcium, magnesium and vitamin D). Your doctor may prescribe calcium, vitamin D or haemoglobin enhancing medications to cope with long-term side effects.
No. Omeprazole is not prescribed for stomach cancer. Omeprazole is only indicated for the treatment of hyperacidity, acid reflux symptoms (GERD), heartburn and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
No. Gas and acidity are two different common discomforts. Acidity is caused when improper functioning of the valve (sphincter) is located at the junction of the stomach and food pipe. As a result, stomach acid backflows and enters the upper part of the food pipe, causing heartburn. On the other hand, gas is the result of the digestion of food and drinks, eliminating gases like carbon dioxide, hydrogen, nitrogen, methane, etc., from the body.
Yes. Omeprazole can alter certain medical tests like neuroendocrine tumours (secretin stimulation test) and urine screening tests for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). So before undergoing such diagnostic tests, contact your doctor.
No. Omeprazole prevents excess production of stomach acid, causing acid reflux and heartburn. If you notice blood in your stool or mucous, immediately contact the doctor.
You’ll usually take Omeprazole once a day, first thing in the morning. It will not affect your stomach, so you can take it with or without food.
Yes, you can take Omeprazole with domperidone, however it should be taken only of recommended by the doctor.
Before taking any medication including Omeprazole, it's important to consult with a doctor. They can assess your individual needs and provide customized advice. Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare professional and be aware of potential adverse effects. If you have any concerns, don't hesitate to ask for clarification.
Diarrhea is a possible side effect of omeprazole. It's often mild and short-lived, but if it's severe or accompanied by other symptoms, please see your doctor.
The duration of omeprazole treatment is individualized and depends on your specific condition and response to the medication.
Omeprazole can increase the risk of calcium deficiency and osteoporosis if taken for a long time. This is because it can interfere with calcium absorption. If you're taking omeprazole for a long time, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.
Yes, long-term use of Omeprazole may increase the risk of vitamin deficiencies, particularly vitamin B12. If you have any concerns or face any adverse effects related to vitamin deficiencies, please consult your doctor.
The decision to prescribe omeprazole to cardiac patients should be made individually, taking into account their medical history and risk factors.
Swallow it whole with a glass of water; do not crush, chew, or break it.
No, it is recommended not to crush, chew, or break.
Omeprazole may cause common side effects like stomach pain, gas formation (flatulence), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache. These side effects are temporary and may be resolved after some time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, contact the doctor.
Before taking the Omeprazole, let your doctor know about all your medical conditions, sensitivities, and all medications you are using. And inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Yes, Omeprazole can interact with other medications. It's important to inform your doctor about all the medications you're taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.
