What is Omeprazole for acid reflux?
Acid reflux, also known as GORD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), is a common ailment that can cause heartburn and other uncomfortable symptoms. If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from acid reflux, you may have been prescribed omeprazole to help manage your condition. While omeprazole is an effective medication for many people, it can also cause side effects. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common omeprazole side effects and how to deal with them.
What is acid reflux?
Acid reflux is a condition that occurs when stomach acid travels back up the oesophagus, causing irritation and pain. The most common symptom of acid reflux is heartburn, which can range from mild discomfort to intense pain. Other symptoms include regurgitation, nausea, and vomiting. Some people also experience respiratory problems, such as difficulty breathing and asthma attacks, if the acid reflux is severe.Risk factors for developing acid reflux include being overweight or obese, smoking, eating spicy or fatty foods, drinking alcohol, and having a hiatal hernia [1].
What is Omeprazole?
Omeprazole capsules are a medication that reduces the amount of acid produced in your stomach. It belongs to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Omeprazole is similar to another medication called Lansoprazole.
What are the side effects of omeprazole?
Like other medications, there are Omeprazole side effects [2]. The most common ones may occur in 1 in 100 people and include:
- Headache
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Nausea or vomiting
- Benign polyps in the stomach
Serious or rare Omeprazole side effects may occur in 1 in 1000 people and may include:
- Liver issues, such as yellowish skin, skin turning darker, and a feeling of excessive tiredness.
- Joint pain and skin rash on sun exposure. These symptoms may indicate subcutaneous lupus erythematosus.
- Persistent diarrhoea.
- Severe allergic reaction, with symptoms like wheezing, skin peeling, respiratory issues, or swelling on tongue, face, lips, or throat.
The following Omeprazole side effects are rare and usually occur in people who take omeprazole for a long time or at high doses.
- Bone fractures
- Vitamin B-12 deficiency
- Gut infections
If you experience any of the above side effects, stop taking omeprazole and call your doctor.
What can I do to reduce the side effects of omeprazole?
If you experience any common Omeprazole side effects while taking omeprazole, you can try the following tips [2]:
- Take omeprazole with food or milk. This may help to reduce stomach pain and nausea.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while taking omeprazole. Alcohol can increase the risk of developing side effects such as stomach pain and nausea.
- If you have diarrhoea, drink plenty of fluids and eat light, bland foods.
- If you have constipation, drink plenty of fluids and eat high-fibre foods.
- Take omeprazole at the same time each day. This may help to reduce the risk of developing side effects.
If you experience any side effects that are serious, rare, or long-term, talk to your doctor immediately. Your doctor may be able to recommend a different medication.
Can I Get Omeprazole Capsules online?
Yes, you can get Omeprazole capsules for treating acid reflux from e-Surgery, a registered and reputed online pharmacy, which offers medications at the best prices along with secure and discreet packaging and delivery.
Are there other medications available to reduce acid reflux?
Yes, there are other medications available to reduce acid reflux. Some other options available on e-Surgery include:
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These medications are proton pump inhibitors and work in similar ways to Omeprazole. Lansoprazole and esomeprazole are both effective at reducing acid reflux. They can cause the following common side effects:
- Headache
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Nausea
If you experience any of these side effects, you should speak to your doctor.You should always speak to your GP before starting any new medicine to avoid cross-medication. They will be able to advise you on the best course of treatment for your situation.
How can I control the symptoms of acid reflux?
There are a variety of natural remedies that can help to ease the symptoms of acid reflux, including:
- Chewing gum: Chewing sugar-free gum can help to stimulate saliva production, which can help to neutralize stomach acid [3].
- Ginger: Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that can help to soothe the digestive tract and reduce symptoms of acid reflux [4].
- Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea has properties that can help to relax the smooth muscle in the digestive tract, which can aid in the prevention of acid reflux [5].
- Aloe vera juice: Aloe vera juice can help to neutralize stomach acid and soothe the digestive tract [6].
- Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has acidic properties that can help to balance the pH levels in the stomach and prevent acid reflux [7].
- Lemon water: Lemon water can help to neutralize stomach acid and promote digestion [8].
- Dietary changes: Making dietary changes, such as avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, and avoiding late-night eating, can help to reduce the symptoms of acid reflux. Download our free acid reflux diet plan to help!
If you are experiencing frequent or severe symptoms of acid reflux, it is important to see your doctor to rule out other potential medical causes (for example some evidence suggests that Covid-19 could cause acid reflux). Additionally, there are a variety of prescription medications available on e-Surgery that can be used to treat acid reflux. However, you can also use natural remedies to treat your condition.
Sources
- 14 Ways to Prevent Heartburn and Acid Reflux | Healthline
- Side effects of omeprazole – NHS | NHS
- The effect of chewing sugar-free gum on gastro-oesophagal reflux | NCBI
- Ginger for Acid Reflux: Does It Work? | Healthline
Further Reading
- Omeprazole (Oral Route) Side Effects | Mayo Clinic
- Omeprazole oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions | WebMD
- Omeprazole: MedlinePlus Drug Information | MedLine
