The NHS has a warning about the medication on its website
Omeprazole is one of the most commonly prescribed tablets in the UK, with the most recent figures showing 73 million NHS prescriptions for proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), like Omeprazole, were dispensed in England between 2022-23. Additional data also shows PPI use affects around 15% of the population.
PPIs are drugs that decrease stomach acid production. They work by stopping the proton pumps, enzymes located in the stomach wall that produce acid. This helps issues such as acid reflux and heartburn.
Other medical conditions treated by PPIs include indigestion, healing of stomach ulcers, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It can also be used, alongside antibiotics, to treat the stomach infection Helicobacter pylori.
Common PPIs include Omeprazole (Prilosec), Esomeprazole (Nexium), Lansoprazole (Prevacid), Pantoprazole (Protonix), and Rabeprazole (AcipHex). Although they are effective, particularly for extended treatment periods, there are potential risks associated with long-term use.
The NHS has put out a warning about this on its website. The statement reads: “Do not take omeprazole for longer than two weeks if you bought it without a prescription. See a GP if your symptoms get worse or do not get better.”
One risk linked to long-term use of PPIs is a heightened risk of a bacterial infection known as Clostridioides difficile. This type of bacterium can lead to an infection in the intestines, resulting in diarrhoea and additional symptoms such as abdominal pain and fever.
This bacterium usually causes illness when antibiotics disturb the balance of normal gut bacteria, enabling Clostridioides difficile to grow and generate toxins. Symptoms include:
- Watery or offensive stools, sometimes with mucus or blood
- Abdominal pain or tenderness
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
In most people, Clostridioides difficile exists harmlessly in the intestines alongside various other bacteria. However, when antibiotics eliminate the beneficial bacteria, they can quickly multiply. These toxins irritate the colon, resulting in infection symptoms.
Clostridioides difficile can be caused by medication disrupting the natural gut flora. It can also be transmitted via spores that endure on contaminated surfaces. It primarily impacts at-risk populations, including the elderly and people with compromised immune systems.
How to take omeprazole:
Omeprazole typically comes in tablets, capsules, and a liquid that you ingest. Certain tablets can be dissolved in water. The dosage and duration of treatment depend on the specific type of omeprazole you are using and the reason for its use. It is generally taken once or twice daily.
Some people may only require it for a few days, while others might need to continue for several weeks, months, or even years. Always refer to the packaging or leaflet that accompanies your medication. If you are uncertain about how to take it or encounter any issues, consult a pharmacist or doctor for guidance.
NHS says when taking omeprazole:
- try to take it at the same time each morning if you take it once a day, or at the same time each morning and evening if you take it twice a day
- you can take it with or without food
- swallow tablets and capsules with water – do not chew or crush capsules or tablets labelled “enteric coated” or “gastro resistant”
It adds: “Ask a pharmacist for advice if you have problems swallowing pills or capsules. They may be able to suggest different ways to take your medicine.”
Side effects of omeprazole:
Like all medicines, omeprazole can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them. Common side effects of omeprazole include:
- a headache
- stomach pain
- feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
- constipation or diarrhoea
- farting more than usual
The NHS says: “Omeprazole will not usually affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery. But if you feel dizzy or have problems with your vision after taking it, wait until you no longer have these side effects.”