Omeprazole: what it is for, how to take it and side effects

O omeprazole It is part of the group of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors – pantoprazole and rabeprazole are also representatives. Called PPIs, these medications act reducing the amount of acid produced by stomach through the inhibition of an enzyme responsible for the final stages of gastric acid production.

What is it recommended for? Does it help with stomach pain?

First, you need to understand that, to digest food, the stomach produces gastric juice, which is highly acidic. Sometimes, this acidity goes beyond the point and ends up causing problems such as gastric ulcers (stomach injuries) or duodenal (in the intestine); gastroesophageal reflux, irritation caused by contact of gastric juice with the esophagus; It is Zollinger-Ellison disease, generated by excessive production of acid in the stomach. These are some cases in which omeprazole is indicated.

According to the leaflet, the drug yet can be used to treat dyspepsia, a condition that causes acidity, heartburn, belching or indigestion; to prevent bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract (comprising the mouth, pharynx, esophagus and stomach); in the treatment or prevention of reflux esophagitis (inflammation in the esophagus due to reflux) in children over 1 year old; together with antibiotics in the treatment of ulcers caused by the bacteria H. pylori, which attacks the stomach; and protecting the stomach against possible damage caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, called NSAIDs.

Therefore, different from what many may think, according to pharmacist Maria Aparecida Nicoletti, responsible for the University Pharmacy at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of São Paulo (USP), the omeprazole is not indicated for stomach pain – term that is often used to designate intestinal cramps, such as diarrhea.

This medicine should be taken with liquid before meals, preferably in the morning, according to the leaflet. Maria Aparecida recalls that there is scientific research that suggests that taking the medicine should be 30 minutes to an hour before the meal.

It is worth highlighting that it is essential follow doctor’s instructions, never interrupting or maintaining the use of the medication for a period other than that recommended. For the same reason, the dosage of omeprazole, available in 10, 20 or 40 mg capsules, must be defined by a specialist on a case-by-case basis.

There is also the possibility of administering omeprazole through a vein, according to Maria, but this should only happen when it is not possible to take the pill orally.

What happens if omeprazole is taken with food?

According to the pharmaceutical company, omeprazole only takes effect after being absorbed by the body, which happens in the small intestine. When ingested with food, however, it will take longer for it to pass from the stomach to the intestine than if it were ingested alone, which can delay its absorption a little.

What are the possible side effects of omeprazole?

According to the leaflet, the undesirable effects more common of omeprazole are: headache, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, gas, vomiting, regurgitation (when what was swallowed ends up coming back), upper respiratory tract infection (nose, mouth, larynx and pharynx), dizziness , rash, weakness, back pain and cough.

The leaflet also describes some unusual effects the use of this medication, such as tingling sensations, drowsiness, insomnia, dizziness and increased liver enzymes, among others.

The instructions also mention other effects considered raresuch as dry mouth, muscle pain or weakness and the appearance of red blisters on the skin.

According to the expert, the prolonged use of omeprazole can make it difficult to absorb some minerals and certain vitamins, such as calcium, magnesium and vitamin B12. This happens because these substances depend on the acidity of the stomach, reduced by the medication, to be properly absorbed by the body. “So, in these cases, it is necessary to closely monitor the levels of these nutrients and eventually supplement them”, he advises.

What are the contraindications of omeprazole?

According to the leaflet, this medication should not be used by people who have had some type of allergic reaction to it or one of its components, nor by pregnant women without the guidance of a doctor.

Furthermore, diabetes patients should use it with caution since omeprazole contains sugar. People with liver or kidney disorders should have close supervision from a professional when using this drug.

According to the leaflet, omeprazole should not be administered at the same time as certain medications, as this may cause health risks. Some of them are: the atazanavir and the nelfinavir (antiretrovirals); O methotrexate (used for autoimmune diseases); O clopidogrel (anticoagulant) and the clorazepate (anxiolytic).

In general, the use of medications together with omeprazole must be communicated to the doctor.