What is Omeprazole: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

The package instructions or your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

Take this medicine before the first meal in the morning. 

Take this medicine for the full duration of treatment, even if you begin to feel better after a few days.

Do not take OTC omeprazole for more than 14 days or use the treatment more often than every 4 months unless your doctor tells you to.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide or package insert. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

HOW TO TAKE OMEPRAZOLE TABLETS AND CAPSULES

• Swallow the tablet or capsule whole with a drink of water. Do not crush or chew it.

• Swallow the OTC capsule whole. Do not crush or chew it.

• If you cannot swallow a prescription omeprazole capsule, you may open it and pour the medicine into a small amount of applesauce. Stir this mixture well and swallow it without chewing. 

• Store at room temperature protected from moisture.

HOW TO TAKE OMEPRAZOLE ORALLY DISINTEGRATING TABLETS 

• Do not crush or chew the tablet.

• Place the tablet on the tongue with or without water.

• The tablet will disintegrate on the tongue.

• Alternatively, the tablet can be swallowed whole with a glass of water.

• Store at room temperature away from high heat and moisture.

HOW TO TAKE OMEPRAZOLE ORAL SUSPENSION 

• Mix the contents of a 2.5-milligram (mg) packet with 5 milliliters (mL) of water or mix the contents of a 10-mg packet with 15 mL of water. Do not use other liquids or food.

• Stir well. 

• Let the mixture thicken for 2 to 3 minutes.

• Stir again and drink the medicine within 30 minutes.

• If there is any medicine left, add more water, stir, and drink immediately.

• Store the sealed packets at room temperature.

HOW TO ADMINISTER OMEPRAZOLE ORAL SUSPENSION THROUGH A FEEDING TUBE

• Add 5 mL of water to a catheter-tipped syringe for a 2.5 mg packet or 15 mL of water for a 10 mg packet. 

• Then add the contents of the packet to the water.

• Shake the syringe right away. 

• Let the mixture thicken for 2 to 3 minutes.

• Shake the syringe once more. 

• Give the medicine through the tube within 30 minutes.

• Refill the syringe with an equal amount of water and shake it. 

• Use the water to flush the tube to make sure all the medicine is given.

Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. 

Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Do not use omeprazole if you have had an allergic reaction to omeprazole or any other type of proton pump inhibitor.

Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.

Your doctor may need lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine, particularly if it’s taken continuously for several months. Keep all appointments.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Before using OTC omeprazole, see a doctor if you have:

• Trouble swallowing

• Black and tarry stools

• Blood in your vomit or stools

• Stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting

• Frequent chest pain

Before taking OTC or prescription omeprazole, tell a doctor if you have:

• Kidney disease

• Liver disease

• Low levels of magnesium, potassium, or calcium

• Osteoporosis

This medicine may cause the following problems:

• Kidney problems

• Increased risk of bone fractures, particularly in people with osteoporosis

• Lupus or the worsening of lupus

• Growths in the upper portion of the stomach

• Vitamin B12 deficiency

• Low magnesium

This medicine can cause C. difficile diarrhea that can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine. Call your doctor if you develop severe diarrhea, nonstop diarrhea, or bloody diarrhea. Do not take any medicine for diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. 

Stop taking OTC omeprazole if:

• Heartburn doesn’t improve or gets worse

• You need to take omeprazole for longer than 14 days

• You need to use omeprazole more than once in a four-month period

• You get diarrhea

• You get a skin rash or your joints start hurting

To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you are using before taking omeprazole.

Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.

Do not use omeprazole if you are also using HIV/AIDS medicines that contain the drug rilpivirine such as Edurant, Complera, Juluca, Cabenuva, or Odefsey.

Omeprazole should never be combined with the antibiotics amoxicillin or clarithromycin.

Omeprazole will affect other drugs. In some cases, omeprazole makes drugs less effective. In other cases, omeprazole can increase the risk of side effects from other drugs. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: 

• Drugs that make you pee (diuretics)

• Blood thinners, particularly warfarin and clopidogrel

• Benzodiazepines, particularly diazepam

• Iron supplements

• Some cancer drugs

• HIV/AIDS drugs, particularly rilpivirine

• Anticancer drugs

• The antifungal medications ketoconazole and itraconazole

• The heart rhythm drug digoxin

• The immune-suppressing drugs tacrolimus, cyclosporine, methotrexate, and mycophenolate mofetil

Some drugs can make omeprazole less effective. Tell the doctor if you are taking rifampin or St. John’s wort.

Omeprazole may interfere with some lab tests.

Find out more about omeprazole interactions to avoid here.