Can you take omeprazole indefinitely?

You shouldn't take OTC omeprazole for longer than 14 days without a healthcare provider's OK. Prescription omeprazole is often taken for 4 to 8 weeks, depending on what you're treating. For some conditions, it's taken for even longer. Taking omeprazole for too long can lead to serious side effects.


Can taking omeprazole long term be harmful?

Long-term side effects

Taking omeprazole for more than a year may increase your chances of certain side effects, including: bone fractures. gut infections. vitamin B12 deficiency – symptoms include feeling very tired, a sore and red tongue, mouth ulcers and pins and needles.

How long can you take omeprazole safely?

Dear C.D.C.: The patient instructions in the over-the-counter versions of proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole (Prilosec), do recommend a 14-day course. However, longer courses may indeed be prescribed by a licensed prescriber, such as a PA. Even so, there are relatively few people who need lifelong medication.


Can omeprazole be prescribed long term?

Keep in mind that omeprazole is only intended for short-term treatment of heartburn, GERD, and other gastrointestinal conditions. Long-term use is only advised for people with rare medical conditions that cause hypersecretion of stomach acid.

What can I take instead of omeprazole long term?

Although PPIs are the most common medication prescribed in the U.S., there are alternative options available.
...
Other Medications
  • Cimetidine (Tagamet)
  • Ranitidine (Zantac)
  • Nizatidine (Axid)
  • Famotidine (Pepcid)


How and When to take Omeprazole (Prilosec / Losec) | Side Effects All Patients Need to Know



Is there a better medicine than omeprazole?

Another analysis of several studies found that esomeprazole 40 mg was more effective than omeprazole at treating esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus) due to GERD after 8 weeks of treatment.

What is the safest antacid to take long term?

According to Dr. Ghouri, Prilosec OTC “is usually sufficient in controlling symptoms in a majority of [heartburn] cases” and has been the #1 Doctor Recommended frequent heartburn relief medicine for 14 years.

Can you take omeprazole for 20 years?

You shouldn't take OTC omeprazole for longer than 14 days without a healthcare provider's OK. Prescription omeprazole is often taken for 4 to 8 weeks, depending on what you're treating. For some conditions, it's taken for even longer. Taking omeprazole for too long can lead to serious side effects.


What happens when you stop omeprazole?

When omeprazole is stopped, a common side effect is rebound acid secretion, where the acid secretion in your stomach increases significantly. This should return to normal within 2 weeks.

Can I take PPI for years?

The normal duration for treatment is from two to 12 weeks. In some circumstances, a PPI needs to be continued indefinitely, such as when an ulcer doesn't heal, when an older patient has an ulcer that's larger than 2 centimeters, or when a patient has three or more ulcers per year.

Can omeprazole damage your liver?

Omeprazole is a rare cause of DILI with autoimmune hepatitis features and should be considered when seeing patients with acute liver injury. The causative drug should be promptly identified and discontinued to avoid any permanent liver damage.


What can you take everyday for acid reflux?

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
  • Prevacid 24HR (lansoprazole)
  • Nexium 24HR (esomeprazole)
  • Prilosec OTC (omeprazole magnesium)
  • Zegerid OTC (omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate)


How do I wean off omeprazole 20 mg?

How To Wean Off PPIs
  1. Step 1: Begin alternating between 1 PPI/day and 2 PPIs/day. On days with 1 PPI, take the PPI with your largest meal. ...
  2. Step 2: After 2 weeks of alternating, reduce intake to approximately 1 PPI/day. ...
  3. Step 3: After about 2 more weeks, you can try to transition off completely.


Can omeprazole damage your stomach?

Serious stomach conditions may occur while taking this medicine alone or together with antibiotics. Check with your doctor immediately if you or your child has stomach cramps, bloated feeling, watery and severe diarrhea which may also be bloody sometimes, fever, nausea or vomiting, or unusual tiredness or weakness.


Why does omeprazole cause weight gain?

PPIs may make it easier to eat more.

People who experience heartburn and GERD may have trouble finishing large meals or certain foods. Doing so may make their symptoms worse. However, once a PPI relieves these symptoms, people may be able to eat a larger amount and variety of food. This may lead to weight gain.

How do I come off omeprazole?

Before the quit date: Taper down the dose. For example, if someone is on 20 mg of omeprazole twice daily, I will reduce the dose to 20 mg a day for 10 days and then 20 mg every other day for 10 days before stopping.

What happens if you quit omeprazole cold turkey?

Unfortunately, abruptly stopping proton pump inhibitors can cause other problems, such as rebound acid indigestion. In fact, your stomach may produce even higher levels of acid than normal because you've been on a PPI. Many physicians suggest tapering your dose by 50 percent every week.


How long should you take omeprazole for Barrett's esophagus?

Continuous treatment with omeprazole 20 mg daily for up to 6 years in Barrett's oesophagus.

How common is Barrett's esophagus?

How common is Barrett's esophagus? Experts are not sure how common Barrett's esophagus is. Researchers estimate that it affects 1.6 to 6.8 percent of people.

Is Gaviscon safer than omeprazole?

Tolerance and safety were good and comparable in both groups. Conclusion Gaviscon® was non-inferior to omeprazole in achieving a 24-h heartburn-free period in moderate episodic heartburn, and is a relevant effective alternative treatment in moderate GERD in primary care.


Can I take antacid for life?

They can quickly relieve your symptoms for a few hours. But they do not treat the underlying cause and long-term use is not recommended. Speak to a GP if you find you need to take antacids regularly.

Can you live long with GERD?

Chandra said that once a diagnosis of GERD has been established, it may become a lifelong condition that will need management. She added that it's best to identify certain causes of your symptoms and learn to avoid or control circumstances to alleviate or even prevent symptoms.

How do I get off omeprazole naturally?

Slowly taper off the PPI over 2-4 weeks (the higher the dose, the longer the taper). While the taper is being completed, use the following for bridge therapy to reduce the symptoms of rebound hyperacidity. Encourage regular aerobic exercise. Encourage a relaxation technique such as deep breathing.


What is the safest drug for acid reflux?

Results of numerous clinical trials indicate that oral pantoprazole is safe and well tolerated for short-term treatment of GERD and for longer term maintenance therapy in patients with healed erosive esophagitis.

What is the best natural antacid?

Baking soda is inexpensive and totally natural. Simply dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda into a cup of water. The baking soda will help neutralize acid.