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- Digestive Diseases and Sciences: Comparative Tolerability Profile of Omeprazole in Clinical Trials
- Digestive Diseases and Sciences: Comparative Tolerability Profile of Omeprazole in Clinical Trials
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: FDA Drug Safety Communication: Clostridium Difficile-Associated Diarrhea Can Be Associated With Stomach Acid Drugs Known as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
- TOXNET Toxicology Data Network: Omeprazole
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Side Effects of Omeprazole Capsules
Omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid) is a commonly used medicine for problems associated with stomach acid, such as heartburn, acid reflux and digestive system ulcers. It is available by prescription and over the counter. Omeprazole has been taken by many people worldwide and is usually well tolerated. It can, however, cause a variety of side effects, most commonly affecting the digestive and nervous systems. Most side effects are mild, but discuss any concerns with your doctor.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Digestive System
First approved in the United States in the late 1980s, omeprazole has a long history of use. A hallmark study published in October 1991 in "Digestive Diseases and Sciences" reported that among roughly 3,000 people taking omeprazole, digestive system side effects were most frequent, although uncommon 1. Approximately 4 percent of omeprazole users experienced abdominal pain, stomach upset and/or flatulence.
Omeprazole also appears to increase risk for a severe, persistent type of diarrhea called Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, or CDAD. Reduced stomach acid production degrades your ability to combat the bacteria that causes CDAD. This condition can cause life-threatening complications, including ulcers and bowel rupture. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea and/or fever while taking omeprazole.
- First approved in the United States in the late 1980s, omeprazole has a long history of use.
- A hallmark study published in October 1991 in "Digestive Diseases and Sciences" reported that among roughly 3,000 people taking omeprazole, digestive system side effects were most frequent, although uncommon 1.
Nervous System
Omeprazole Magnesium Side Effects
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Headache occurs in about 7 out of every 100 people taking omeprazole, according to the authors of the "Digestive Diseases and Sciences" study report 1. Dizziness occurs in less than 2 percent of omeprazole users, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved prescribing information 6.
Respiratory System
A study published in October 2004 in "JAMA" examined the risk for pneumonia among more than 364,000 people according to their use of stomach acid-suppressing drugs, such as omeprazole 5. The researchers found that people currently taking acid suppressants had an increased risk of developing pneumonia, compared to those not taking these medicines. Doctors believe the increased risk is due to growth of bacteria normally killed by stomach acid, which can then infect the lungs. Contact your doctor right away if you develop a cough, shortness of breath and/or fever while taking omeprazole, as these symptoms might indicate pneumonia.
- A study published in October 2004 in "JAMA" examined the risk for pneumonia among more than 364,000 people according to their use of stomach acid-suppressing drugs, such as omeprazole 5.
Long-Term Side Effects
What are the Long-Term Effects of Omeprazole?
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Reduced bone strength with an increased risk of fractures is possible with long-term omeprazole use. This risk occurs primarily in people who take multiple doses daily for a year or longer. Long-term omeprazole use might also cause low levels of magnesium and/or vitamin B12, although these changes are rare. The risk of vitamin B12 deficiency typically occurs only in people who have taken omeprazole daily for 3 years or longer. Low magnesium levels have been reported primarily in people who have been on daily omeprazole for a year or longer, but might occur in a shorter time frame. Rarely, long-term omeprazole therapy can lead to potentially harmful changes in the stomach or kidneys.
- Reduced bone strength with an increased risk of fractures is possible with long-term omeprazole use.
- The risk of vitamin B12 deficiency typically occurs only in people who have taken omeprazole daily for 3 years or longer.
Warnings and Precautions
As with any drug, an allergic reaction is possible with omeprazole. People who are allergic to medicines used to treat worm infestations -- including albendazole (Albenza) and mebendazole -- should not take omeprazole because it is likely to cause a serious allergic reaction.
Omeprazole is classified as an FDA pregnancy category C drug, meaning animal studies have shown possible harm to a developing fetus, but there are no conclusive human studies. Omeprazole also crosses into breast milk. Women who are pregnant or nursing should talk with their doctor before taking omeprazole.
If you experience frequent or persistent heartburn or stomach-related symptoms, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
- As with any drug, an allergic reaction is possible with omeprazole.
- Women who are pregnant or nursing should talk with their doctor before taking omeprazole.
Related Articles
References
- Digestive Diseases and Sciences: Comparative Tolerability Profile of Omeprazole in Clinical Trials
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: FDA Drug Safety Communication: Clostridium Difficile-Associated Diarrhea Can Be Associated With Stomach Acid Drugs Known as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
- New England Journal of Medicine: Burden of Clostridium Difficile Infection in the United States
- AHFS Drug Information 2015; American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
- JAMA: Risk of Community-Acquired Pneumonia and Use of Gastric Acid–Suppressive Drugs
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Prilosec Prescribing Information
- Micromedex Pharmaceutical Knowledge; Truven Health Analytics
- Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 11th Edition; Laurence L. Brunton, et al.
- Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 11th Edition; Bertram G. Katzung, et al.
- TOXNET Toxicology Data Network: Omeprazole
Writer Bio
Chidambaram Sunder Valliappan is pursuing his master's degree in Internal Medicine in Michigan. He also holds a double bachelor's degree in medicine and surgery from Meenakshi Medical College in India, and has five years of professional experience. His interests include hospital quality initiatives, healthcare personnel education and acute-care medicine.