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Does Taking Omeprazole For A Prolonged Period Cause Any Side Effects?
Hello Doctor, i have a condition of GERD, it has been 6 months that i am taking 20 mg. omeprazole, i tried to stop this medication for 2 days but it gives me a trouble. I felt acid rumbling on my stomach, i have no option but to take omeparozole again, in the last month i took it once a day only, 30 minutes before breakfast. My question is this, what is the harm of taking this drugs for a long time. Please help me, am truly sad by my condition it seems that i cannot live without this drugs. Thank you and have a nice day.
Sat, 12 May 2018
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
Following are some of the important long-term side effects of Omeprazole reported:
1. Increased risk of infections: Stomach acid is an important defense mechanism against pathogens colonizing the stomach and intestinal tract. There's an increased risk of C.difficile colitis in Omeprazole users.
Acid suppression leads to an increase in stomach pH, allowing for the overgrowth of bacteria in gastric juices, gastric mucosa, and the duodenum. This can potentially lead to microaspiration and pneumonia.
2. Osteoporosis: Acid suppression results in reduced absorption of mineral calcium in the diet resulting in thinning of the bones and possible increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine.
3. Vitamin B12 deficiency due to malabsorption of vitamin B12 may result from atrophic gastritis and achlorhydria.
4. Several significant drug interactions are associated with Omeprazole due to its ability to reduce stomach acid production and raise stomach pH. Medications that require an acidic environment for absorption may have reduced oral bioavailability in patients treated with Omeprazole.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
Following are some of the important long-term side effects of Omeprazole reported:
1. Increased risk of infections: Stomach acid is an important defense mechanism against pathogens colonizing the stomach and intestinal tract. There's an increased risk of C.difficile colitis in Omeprazole users.
Acid suppression leads to an increase in stomach pH, allowing for the overgrowth of bacteria in gastric juices, gastric mucosa, and the duodenum. This can potentially lead to microaspiration and pneumonia.
2. Osteoporosis: Acid suppression results in reduced absorption of mineral calcium in the diet resulting in thinning of the bones and possible increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine.
3. Vitamin B12 deficiency due to malabsorption of vitamin B12 may result from atrophic gastritis and achlorhydria.
4. Several significant drug interactions are associated with Omeprazole due to its ability to reduce stomach acid production and raise stomach pH. Medications that require an acidic environment for absorption may have reduced oral bioavailability in patients treated with Omeprazole.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali
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