What are the Side Effects of Prilosec in Infants?
According to the National Institutes of Health, Prilosec is a proton pump inhibitor 1. Also known as or omeprazole, Prilosec is mainly used in infants to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease, a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and injury of the esophagus. Infants with GERD are at a high risk of aspiration pneumonia and asthma caused by acidic stomach contents entering the lungs. Prilosec is prescribed in such infants to prevent reflux. Some infants may suffer from side effects.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Gastrointestinal Effects
According to Drugs.com, use of Prilosec in infants may cause common side effects such as diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach and flatulence 2. Long-term use of Prilosec may cause:
- inflammation of the pancreas
- irritable colon
- stool discoloration
- growth of fungus in the esophagus
- stomatitis
- abdominal swelling
- mucosal atrophy of the tongue
Prilosec suppresses stomach acid, which is important for killing bacteria, fungi and parasites. Long-term blocking of stomach acid also hinders the absorption of vitamins and minerals needed for healthy growth.
Hematologic Effects
The Effects of Long-Term Usage of Prilosec
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Drugs.com states that use of Prilosec in infants may cause agranulocytosis, which is the failure of the bone marrow to make enough white blood cells 2. Lack of white blood cells may lead to infections in infants. Prilosec may also cause low production of red blood cells and platelets, leading to anemia and abnormal bleeding.
Hypersensitivity
According to Drugs.com, some infants may be allergic to Prilosec and develop severe allergic reactions from taking Prilosec 2. Signs of allergic reactions include:
- chest tightness
- closing of the throat
- swelling of the throat
- problems breathing
- shortness of breath
- difficulties breathing
- rashes
- hives
- itching
Nervous System Effects
4 Negative Side Effects of Nexium & Prilosec
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According to Drugs.om, use of Prilosec in infants may cause the infants to be irritable and inconsolable 2. The infants may also refuse to sleep.
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References
- National Institutes of Health: Omeprazole
- Drugs.com: Prilosec Side Effects
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Questions and answers on Prilosec OTC (omeprazole). Updated November 27, 2015.
- Katz P, Gerson L, Vela M. Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2013;108(3):308-328. doi:10.1038/ajg.2012.444
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Diagnosis of GER and GERD. Updated November 2014.
- Strand DS, Kim D, Peura DA. 25 years of proton pump inhibitors: a comprehensive review. Gut Liver. 2017;11(1):27-37. doi:10.5009/gnl15502
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Highlights of prescribing information: Prilosec. Updated September 2012.
- Food and Drug Administration. Prilosec prescribing information. Prilosec (omeprazole) label. Updated December 2016.
- Irving SA, Vadiveloo T, Leese GP. Drugs that interact with levothyroxine: an observational study from the Thyroid Epidemiology, Audit and Research Study (TEARS). Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2015;82(1):136-41. doi:10.1111/cen.12559
- Hansen KE, Jones AN, Lindstrom MJ, et al. Do proton pump inhibitors decrease calcium absorption? J Bone Miner Res. 2010;25(12):2786-95. doi:10.1002/jbmr.166
- Li W, Zeng S, Yu LS, Zhou Q. Pharmacokinetic drug interaction profile of omeprazole with adverse consequences and clinical risk management. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2013;9:259-71. doi:10.2147/TCRM.S43151
- Kinoshita Y, Ishimura N, Ishihara S. Advantages and disadvantages of long-term proton pump inhibitor use. J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2018;24(2):182-196. doi:10.5056/jnm18001
Writer Bio
Esther Kinuthia is a registered nurse with extensive experience in health and wellness. She holds a B.S. in nursing, B.A in psychology and has worked for more than ten years in the health-care field. She enjoys writing articles on a variety of topics for the Internet. Her work has been published in various websites.