Omeprazole (Prilosec) is a medication used to reduce the backflow of excess stomach acid into the esophagus. This condition is commonly referred to as heartburn, but is medically termed gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. If GERD is left untreated, it can lead to a chemical breakdown of the esophagus, which can lead to a rupture or cancer. In addition, according to Drugs.com, omeprazole may be used with antibiotics to treat ulcers caused by the bacterium H. pylori. An untreated ulcer can lead to a hole in the stomach or small intestine, which can cause severe complications. Although omeprazole has significant medical benefits, users should be aware of its side effects.
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects associated with omeprazole are rare, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, you should be concerned if you experience blisters, bleeding, fever, chills, sores in the mouth, urinary problems, muscles or joint aches, rash and sore throat. Alert your doctor immediately if you are experiencing these side effects. If symptoms are severe, do not hesitate to call 911.
Less Serious Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, omeprazole has few common side effects. These include headache, stomach pain, gas, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If you are experiencing any of these side effects, let your doctor know. There may be a dose adjustment that can be made, or omeprazole may be supplemented with another medication that can reduce the side effects.
Drug Interactions
Because omeprazole is prescribed often, you should be aware of medications that omeprazole can interact with. According to Drugs.com, omeprazole interacts with blood thinning medications (Coumadin and Plavix), iron, benzodiazepines (valium), anti-fungals (Nizoral and Vfend) and a common antibiotic (ampicillin). Always let your doctor know what medications you're taking to avoid interactions with omeprazole.
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