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Can Omeprazole Be Taken For A Long Duration?

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Posted on Thu, 2 Mar 2017
Question: I have been taking Omneprozole twice per day for several years. An article in "Life Extension" magazine pointed out how long term use in several studies caused an increased risk of developing demensia (sp) or even alzehimers (sp). I was diagnosed with inflamation of the lower esophegus. Is there other medications I can take?
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Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (15 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You can replace it with H2 blockers like Ranitidine but they are less potent

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for choosing HealthcareMagic,

There are two aspects of a medicine--

a)Practical
b)Theoretical

Practically, proton pump inhibitors are highly safe medicines and most of the patients tolerate them very well in long terms without experiencing even mildest of any side effects.

However when we talk about theory, any medicine can cause any side effect and even it is caused in one out of million it will be documented in texts.

My sincere advice is don't worry too much. Most likely it's not going to cause any such problem in long term. At the age of 82 your already doing good on Omeprazole. Personally, I would suggest you to refrain from research materials too much and just keep on taking medicine as per your gastro's advice. As per your question yes you could replace them with H2 blockers like Ranitidine but they are not as effective as PPI's.

Advice
Keep on taking Omeprazole.
Not to worry too much about those research articles.

I wish the the best of health.
Thanks!

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Ramesh Kumar

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :1986

Answered : 2906 Questions

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Can Omeprazole Be Taken For A Long Duration?

Brief Answer: You can replace it with H2 blockers like Ranitidine but they are less potent Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for choosing HealthcareMagic, There are two aspects of a medicine-- a)Practical b)Theoretical Practically, proton pump inhibitors are highly safe medicines and most of the patients tolerate them very well in long terms without experiencing even mildest of any side effects. However when we talk about theory, any medicine can cause any side effect and even it is caused in one out of million it will be documented in texts. My sincere advice is don't worry too much. Most likely it's not going to cause any such problem in long term. At the age of 82 your already doing good on Omeprazole. Personally, I would suggest you to refrain from research materials too much and just keep on taking medicine as per your gastro's advice. As per your question yes you could replace them with H2 blockers like Ranitidine but they are not as effective as PPI's. Advice Keep on taking Omeprazole. Not to worry too much about those research articles. I wish the the best of health. Thanks!