Omeprazole – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com

Tuesday, September 11, 2018 by Michelle Simmons

Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) drug used to treat heartburn, a damaged esophagus, stomach ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and conditions that cause the stomach to produce too much acid. It works by reducing the amount of acid made by the stomach. Omeprazole is also sometimes used in combination with antibiotics to treat ulcers associated with the infection caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacteria. It is also used to treat Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and dyspepsia. The drug is also used to prevent upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding in severely ill patients.

Omeprazole should not be used by people who are allergic to omeprazole or similar drugs. Intake of this drug may also cause problems if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, lupus, or osteoporosis. Omeprazole should also not be used if you are using other medicines that contain rilpivirine. It may also interact with prescription and non-prescription medicines like Benzodiazepine medicine, a blood thinner, diuretic, iron supplements, and a lot more.

Omeprazole is sold in the brand name Prilosec.

Known side effects of omeprazole

Omeprazole commonly causes the following side effects:

Constipation
Gas
Headache
Nausea
Vomiting

Some side effects of omeprazole can be serious. Seek immediate medical help if you experience at least one of these symptoms:

Diarrhea with watery stools
Dizziness
Excessive tiredness
Fever
Hives
Hoarseness
Irregular, fast, or pounding heartbeat
Itching
Muscle spasms
Rash
Seizures
Stomach pain
Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
Trouble breathing or swallowing
Uncontrollable shaking of a body part

Omeprazole also causes the following side effects:

Bone fractures: People who take doses of omeprazole or other PPI drug every day for one year or more may have a greater risk of bone fractures in the hip, wrist, or spine.
Magnesium deficiency: Taking omeprazole for three months or more can also deplete magnesium levels in the body. The risk is higher in people taking the drug for a year or longer.
Severe diarrhea: omeprazole may raise the risk of severe diarrhea, which may be due to an infection in the intestine caused by Clostridium difficile bacteria.

Body systems that may be harmed by omeprazole

The body systems that may be harmed by omeprazole include the nervous, gastrointestinal, respiratory, dermatologic, psychiatric, musculoskeletal, hepatic, cardiovascular, and hematologic systems.