Prilosec, also known as omeprazole, is a proton pump inhibitor. Proton pump inhibitors are drugs used to block or reduce the production of acid in the stomach, which enables the healing of sores in the stomach and esophagus. Prilosec is available in prescription delayed-release capsules and over-the-counter delayed-release tablets. A common side effect of Prilosec is stomach bloating. Stomach bloating is the feeling that the stomach is larger than normal.
Bloating and Prilosec
MayoClinic.com states that bloating is the buildup of gas in the stomach and intestines often accompanied by abdominal cramping. According to Drugs.com, bloating is a common side effect of Prilosec. Prilosec may cause buildup of gas in the stomach and intestines, leading to stomach cramping. Excess stomach bloating diminishes with continued use of Prilosec.
Treatment of Stomach Bloating
Stomach bloating due to Prilosec may be treated using dietary changes and over the counter anti-gas products.Patients experiencing bloating should reduce consumption of gas forming foods such as beans, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and raw fruits. Patients should also increase water intake so as to prevent constipation. Constipation allows undigested foods to remain in the colon for long periods. When these undigested foods are fed on by bacteria in the colon, gas and bloating results. Consumption of water enables undigested foods to move fast through the colon and to be excreted from the body. Patients may use anti-gas products such as Gas-x and Mylanta to relieve stomach bloating. Patients should consult the doctor before using over-the-counter medication.
Uses
According to Drugs.com, Prilosec is prescribed to patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease, stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition whereby stomach acid flows back into the esophagus and causes injury to the lining of the esophagus. Zollinger-Ellison disease is a condition in which the stomach produces too much acid.
Other Side Effects of Prilosec
According to Drugs.com, common side effects of Prilosec include headache, constipation, stomach pain, muscle pain, muscle weakness and weight gain. More severe side effects of Prilosec include liver damage, inflammation of the pancreas, growth of cancerous low blood sugar, bone pain and bone fractures.
Contraindications
Drugs.com states that, Prilosec should not be used by patients with previous allergic reactions to omeprazole or any ingredients in Prilosec. Prilosec should also not be used in patients with abdominal pain, bloody stool, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, chest pains accompanied by wheezing and unexplained weight loss
Warning
According to the U.S Food and Drug Administration website, long-term use of high doses of Prilosec may cause bone fractures of the wrist, hip and spine. The risk of bone fractures is higher in patients over 50 years of age who take prilosec for extended period of time. The doctor recommends doctors to prescribe lower doses of Prilosec and for a shorter period in order to prevent bone fractures.
