Had Heart Attack. Prescribed Laxative And Nexium. Can I Use Omeprazole?

Posted on Tue, 23 Jul 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 23 Jul 2013 Answered on

Mon, 19 Aug 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I am an American who about three weeks ago had a heart attack in Macau, a part of China. I was in the hospital for about 12 days. My expensive prescriptions include a year's supply of Duphalac, a laxative. I cannot reach the doctor who prescribed that laxative. I am about to finish one bottle and do not want to buy more. Is it ok for me to discontinue using it. Also,.the doctor prescribed Nexium, also known as esomeprazole. It is too expensive for me. I want to use Omeprazole, which is cheaper and apparently almost the same as esomeprazole. Is it ok for me to use Omeprazole?

This is the first time I've had a heart attack. The docs say that I should be ok, if i take my meds. My medical history also includes treatment for ulcers, but I have not had any significant problems with ulcers in many years. If you have further questions please contact me at YYYY@YYYY . Thank you. Jerry Urban

Answered by Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (11 minutes later)

Dear XXXXXXX

thanks for the query. I think that discontinuation of the laxative should be ok, you can substitute with good hydration and fruit fiber; in terms of the nexium, esomeprazole is practically the same as omeprazole, and for ulcer protection both are as effective. However, the only caveat is if they prescribed clopidogrel to you after your heart attack, if so you should not use omeprazole, and should use ranitidine or famotidine

yours truly

Dr Brenes Salazar MD
Cardiology
Mayo Clinic MN

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar