Omeprazole is the generic form of Prilosec and is in a drug class called proton pump inhibitors. It treats gastroesophageal reflux disease and laryngoesophageal reflux disease. The mechanism of action of omeprazole decreases stomach acid production by blocking the pumps that secrete acid into the stomach. Patients can now purchase this medication over-the-counter.
Liver Metabolism
The proton pump inhibitors, a drug class to which omeprazole belongs, all have the potential to inhibit the actions of liver enzymes. Live enzymes prove important because they work to break down other medications. Omeprazole can block the liver's ability to do this, which in turn makes those medications become more potent. One dangerous example of this interaction includes the blood thinner warfarin, says Drugs.com. When taken together with omeprazole, warfarin potency increases and patients taking the two medications in combination can potentially develop dangerous bleeds.
Liver Failure
Omeprazole is generally a safe drug, but several cases of dangerous side effects have been reported. Omeprazole can affect the liver, since that is the primary site of its metabolism. The side effects on the liver range from mild elevations in liver enzymes, to fulminant liver failure. Drugs.com reports that death from liver failure related to omeprazole has occurred in some cases. So it becomes important for patients to consult a physician prior to starting omeprazole.
Cholestasis
Cholestasis occurs when bile drains slower from the gallbladder. According to Drugs.com, cases of cholestasis have occurred in people taking omeprazole. While the exact mechanism of cholestasis from omeprazole remains unknown, the likely explanation is that the actions of omeprazole disturb normal bile production. Multiple drugs affect the production of bile and omeprazole is one of them.
References
- Drugs.com: Omeprazole
- Journal "Clinical Liver Disease"; Drug-induced cholestasis; Charles Levy; July 2003
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