Omeprazole: Side Effects and Action

Omeprazole is an active ingredient used for inflammation and ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract. In this context, omeprazole can be used for therapy as well as for prevention. The goal in both cases is to reduce the production of gastric acid by taking omeprazole. Omeprazole can primarily help relieve and prevent pain associated with inflammation and ulcers in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines by inhibiting stomach acid production. As a proton pump inhibitor, this active ingredient actually suppresses the release of gastric acid into the stomach. This spares the affected stomach lining from the acid and allows it to recover. Omeprazole is also frequently administered together with antibiotics to combat the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. This is often responsible for ulcers in the mucosa.

Side effects of omeprazole

Side effects often occur shortly after you start taking omeprazole and then gradually subside. The following side effects may be caused by omeprazole:

With long-term use, omeprazole can also have a negative effect on the concentration of magnesium in the blood. If in doubt, the doctor will then perform appropriate tests to check. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include cramps, fatigue and increased heart rate. However, it is recommended in any case to study the package insert of the respective medication before taking it.

Omeprazole: dosage and use.

The dosage of omeprazole should be discussed in advance with the attending physician. Normally, one enteric-coated tablet containing 20 mg of omeprazole is taken daily. However, depending on the nature of the symptoms, omeprazole can also be prescribed as 10 mg or 40 mg. Over-the-counter preparations should not be taken for longer than 14 days at a time. If the symptoms have not disappeared by then, a doctor should definitely be consulted.

Taking omeprazole during pregnancy or breastfeeding is considered safe. Nevertheless, it should be discussed with the gynecologist treating the patient to be on the safe side.

Patients suffering from liver or kidney disease should discuss the use of omeprazole with a doctor. In this case, the lowest possible dosage of the active ingredient is recommended.

Omeprazole is taken as an enteric-coated capsule or tablet. The drug must therefore not be taken crushed, as this destroys the acid mantle and the active ingredient is thus released in the stomach. However, the active ingredient is not absorbed until it reaches the intestine.

Interactions of omeprazole

The proton pump inhibitor omeprazole reduces the ph level in the intestine. Therefore, on the one hand, it may interfere with the action of medications that depend on ph. Interactions may occur with the following medications:

On the other hand, there are also agents that limit the mode of action of omeprazole, such as St. John’s wort or CYP3A4 inducers. The package insert of the respective drug provides here again precise information.