Bruce Abrahamse

Bruce Abrahamse

October 20, 2024

10 Things About Omeprazole That May Surprise You

Omeprazole is a popular medication used to treat conditions associated with the esophagus and stomach. It is classified as a proton pump inhibitor and can be purchased over the counter or with a prescription if higher doses are required. Omeprazole comes in oral tablets, liquid suspension, and intravenous forms. Available in 10, 20, and 40-milligram variations, the dose is determined by the severity of the patient’s condition. In this article, we will explore ten unexpected facts about omeprazole.

How Omeprazole Works

Omeprazole
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Omeprazole is classified as a proton pump inhibitor, which means that it works by suppressing stomach acid secretion. [1] As the name suggests, it blocks the proton pump, which is an enzyme system found on the surface of gastric parietal cells. It begins to work an hour after it is taken and blocks the final step in stomach acid production. On just a single dose, it can inhibit acid secretion for up to three days.

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The Various Uses For Omeprazole

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Omeprazole is typically prescribed for the treatment of conditions such as gastric and duodenal ulcers, reflux disease, and H. pylori bacteria-related stomach infections. [2] Additionally, it has also been used to effectively treat erosive esophagitis and Zollibger-Ellison syndrome. Lower-dosage over-the-counter versions are used for the treatment of heartburn that persists for longer than a couple of days. However, it should not be taken for more than 14 days without speaking to your GP. 

Understanding the Side Effects of Omeprazole

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Adults have reported experiencing a range of side effects as a result of using omeprazole. These include nausea, headaches, vomiting, gas, and abdominal pain. Children have reported the same side effects in addition to developing a fever. [3] Patients taking the medication for more than three months had displayed low magnesium levels when their blood was subsequently tested. Patients taking the medication for more than three years often develop vitamin B12 deficiencies. Other side effects include stomach lining inflammation, severe diarrhea, and a greater risk of hip, wrist, and spine fractures. 

Important Safety Precautions

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Before being prescribed omeprazole, it is important to inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking. This is because several medications may have adverse side effects if taken together at certain doses. These include anticoagulants, diuretics, and St. John’s wort supplements. You are also advised against taking omeprazole if you are on rilpivirine. As we mentioned before, omeprazole inhibits the proton pump. Ingesting food stimulates this pump, so it is important to take this medication on an empty stomach. 

Medications that Interact with Omeprazole

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Omeprazole should not be taken with atazanavir, nelfinavir, and the aforementioned rilpivirine, as it can reduce their effectiveness. It likewise reduces the effectiveness of clopidogrel, which could potentially result in blood clots. If you are currently taking high doses of voriconazole, you will need to take low doses of omeprazole to avoid potential side effects. Certain antibiotics, including ampicillin, are less readily absorbed by the body when simultaneously taking omeprazole. It can also interfere with the effectiveness of the cancer treatment drug erlotinib. 

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Alternatives to Omeprazole

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If you cannot use omeprazole, then you may be prescribed an alternative medication such as pantoprazole, esomeprazole, ranitidine, or famotidine. A couple of other potential alternative medications you may be prescribed include calcium carbonate, simethicone, and magnesium hydroxide. When discussing the various alternative options with your doctor, it is important to inform them of any allergies you may have and all other medications you are currently using. 

Factors That Determine Dosage

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Your dosage level will be determined by various factors, including your overall health, age, and the specific condition the medication is being prescribed for. For example, patients will typically be prescribed 20 milligrams for duodenal ulcers, while H. pylori infections normally require 40 milligrams daily for 14 days. Patients suffering from erosive esophagitis will usually require a 20-milligram daily dose for around 4 to 8 weeks. 

Patients who Should Not Take This Medication

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Omeprazole should not be used by people who suffer from osteoporosis, osteopenia, or liver disease. It should also not be used by people with allergies to lansoprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole, and rabeprazole. It should also be used with caution by those with a history of difficulty swallowing. If you are currently experiencing nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, wheezing, or chest pain, first consult with your healthcare provider before taking omeprazole. 

Recommendations For Using This Medication

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Omeprazole should be taken at least one hour before eating for best results. Shake the liquid suspension before use, and measure the doses with the provided syringe. You can swallow the capsules whole or mix the contents with applesauce if necessary. Powdered forms of omeprazole should be dissolved in water and then consumed immediately. Over-the-counter omeprazole should be used for no more than 14 days, with at least a 4-month gap between the courses. Let your doctor know if you are using this medication when going for lab tests, as it can often affect the results of certain tests. 

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Sources

  1. Proton-Pump Inhibitor.” Science Direct
  2. Omeprazole.” NCBI. Neal Shah and William Gossman. February 7, 2023.
  3. Omeprazole.” Medline Plus


     Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is for information only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about your medical condition and/or current medication. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here.