Frequently asked questions for Omeprazole
Omeprazole
Q. Can I take Omeprazole with domperidone?
This medicine can be safely taken with domperidone as no harmful effects have been reported clinically. A fixed-dose combination of these two medicines is also available. Domperidone works by increasing the gut motility and Omeprazole decreases the acid production in the stomach. So, this combination is very effective in the treatment of reflux esophagitis associated with acidity, heartburn, intestinal and stomach ulcers.Q. What should I know before taking Omeprazole?
You should not take it if you are taking a medicine containing atazanavir and nelfinavir (used for HIV infection). Let your doctor know if you are suffering from any liver problems, persistent diarrhea or vomiting, black stools (blood-stained stools), unusual weight loss, trouble swallowing, stomach pain or indigestion. Tell your doctor about all the other medicines you are taking because they may affect, or be affected by, this medicine. Inform your doctor if you have or ever had an allergic skin reaction with this medicine. It should not be given to children who are less than 1 year of age or whose body weight is less than 10 kgs. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor before taking this medicine to avoid harmful effects on the baby.Q. Can Omeprazole cause diarrhea?
Yes, it may cause diarrhea as a side effect in some people. This is usually not bothersome, but if you experience persistent watery stools that do not go away, along with stomach cramps and fever, get medical help immediately.Q. For how long can Omeprazole be taken?
Take it for as long as advised by your doctor. The duration may vary depending on your condition. Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor.Q. Can Omeprazole cause calcium deficiency and osteoporosis?
It can cause osteoporosis (thinning of bones) as it decreases the calcium absorption leading to calcium deficiency. This leads to an increased risk of bone fractures on long-term use, like hip, wrist or spine fractures. Inform your doctor if you have osteoporosis or if you are taking corticosteroids (these can increase the risk of osteoporosis) before starting your therapy. Consult your doctor on ways to prevent this. Your doctor may advise you calcium or vitamin D supplements to reduce the risk.Q. What are the long term side effects of Omeprazole?
If used for more than 3 months, certain long term side effects may be seen. The most important of these is low magnesium levels in your blood which may make you feel tired, confused, dizzy, shaky, or dizzy. You may also have muscle twitches or irregular heartbeat. If the use is further prolonged for more than a year, you may have an increased risk of bone fractures (due to decreased calcium levels in the blood), especially hip, wrist, or spine, stomach infections, and vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 deficiency can make you anemic, as a result of which you may feel more tired, weak, or pale. Additionally, you may also have palpitations, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, indigestion, loss of appetite, flatulence (gas), or nerve problems such as numbness, tingling, and problem in walking.Q. Does Omeprazole cause vitamin deficiencies?
It may cause vitamin B12 and vitamin C deficiency. When taken orally, vitamin B12 requires an acidic environment for its absorption from the stomach while this medicine causes a decrease in gastric acid secretion. You may need to take vitamin B12 supplements along with it. The clinical significance of the decrease in vitamin C levels is not known, so vitamin C supplementation is not recommended.Q. Can I take antacids along with Omeprazole?
Yes, you can take antacids 2 hours before or after you take this medicine.Q. Can Omeprazole be used in cardiac patients?
Patients with cardiac disease can take this medicine as prescribed by the doctor. However, it can interact with certain drugs (e.g clopidogrel, digoxin) which might be used by a patient with an underlying cardiac disease. Patients taking these medicines together need to be monitored closely by a doctor.