Excessive build-up of acids in your gastric system can lead to severe stomach problems. It may also lead to conditions like ulcers as well as acid reflux. These are characterized by heartburns or a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The typical signs include swallowing problems, coughing and other abdominal conditions. If left untreated, you are likely to witness more damages; in some remote cases, autoimmune conditions such as cancers have also showed up. Proton pump inhibitors are commonly used for treating GERD. Omeprazole is one such med. But, can it be taken along with metronidazole? It is a safe practice to know more on this.
Conditions wherein acids from your stomach go upwards the food pipe are known as GERD. It is likely to cause damage to your esophagus / food pipe. As the food pipe does not have thicker inner walls to protect it from harsh acids, ulcers are more likely to occur here. Proton pump inhibitors are drugs which are commonly used to treat these gastric conditions. Drugs like omeprazole are widely prescribed in this class of medication. It is often administered for reducing the level of acids and to treat sores caused by such acids. This drug is also used as an over the counter med.
Safe intake of omeprazole
Omeprazole is available in multiple forms namely, capsules, suspended granules as well as a delayed release variant. Of these, the delayed release form works inside your intestinal tract. Granules are mixed with liquids while the capsule form is swallowed with 7 to 8 ounces of water. A safe dosage plan comprises intake of the pill once within a 24-hour timeline. But, if your treating doctor suspects an incidence of H. pylori, dosages are enhanced to two times per day. It is important to follow all the instructions of your treating doctor. As an added safety measure, read the precautions listed on the pack prior to starting your medication plan.
It is a wise thing to keep taking this drug even upon feeling well. It is a good practice to continue taking it till your physician tells you to stop the dosage plan. In general, it may take about 4 to 5 days for the medicine to start working. But, if your medical condition remains the same, it is highly recommended to talk to your caregiving team without much delay. Those who are taking the granules must never bite or crush these granules. Instead, mix the granules with apple sauce or water. Care to drink the mixture within 20 minutes because keeping it for long may render the mixture powerless.
What is metronidazole?
This is an antibiotic drug administered for a large variety of microbial infections. Its key action is to reduce the progression and spread of bacteria. It is also useful against parasitical infections; however, the drug has serious limitations in working against viral conditions such as flu, cold / common colds, etc. Intake of metronidazole may cause a few side effects; common among them are vomiting, nausea, drop in appetite level, stomach pain, migraines, feeling dizzy, etc. In some cases, users have reported an altered sense of taste in their mouth; some people have experienced difficulties while passing stools. Most of these side effects may cease to show up once your system gets used to this drug. But, if any of these discomforts persist, it is a good practice to talk to your caregiver without much delay.
A few users have developed some acute side effects; some of these severe side effects include fits, convulsions or seizures, slurring of speech function, sudden changes in eyesight, etc. Allergies in the form of oral thrush, changes in vaginal discharge, skin conditions such as rashes, itchiness, etc. have also been observed in a few users. In some remote instances, people have also reported severe levels of dizziness as well as breathing difficulties in the form of gasping for breath, gasping, wheezing or slowing down of respiratory cycles.
Can you take omeprazole along with metronidazole?
Omeprazole and metronidazole are taken when you are down with severe duodenal ulcers. This combination is also administered while treating the onset of H. pylori strand of microbes. The medication plan is never given to children aged 9 years or less. This is because of the risks of discoloration of teeth. In case of elderly patients, especially those with hepatic conditions (hepatitis / inflammation of liver or cirrhosis) and heart ailments (cardiac arrest, palpitations or erratic heartbeats) must stay away from taking this combinatorial treatment.
It is a safe practice to tell your doctor about the drugs you are currently taking. Make a list of all meds including over the counter drugs, prescription meds, vitamins, proteins and herbal supplements. If the list includes drugs such as cisapride, ziprasidone, etc., tell your caregiving team about such meds. Take added precautions if you are taking drugs such as ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, digoxin, fluoxetine, nelfinavir, etc. Intake of lithium, antacids and quinine is likely to cause a few allergic conditions. If your family history or your medical track record includes fungal infections, renal dysfunction, blood related conditions, your caregiver must be kept updated of all such prior ailments.
It is a good thing to drink a lot of fluids while you are taking this combination. Women who are pregnant and those who are breastfeeding a newly born infant must take ample precautions. Those who are planning to become pregnant must use suitable birth control measures to avoid unplanned pregnancies. If you have become pregnant while taking this drug, consult with your treating physician as quickly as possible.
In sum, omeprazole and metronidazole can be administered together while you are down with an incidence of H. pylori. This condition is often characterized by a severe pain in the abdomen along with incessant spells of diarrhea. Intake of anti-diarrheal meds may only aggravate your condition. Talk to your treating doctor about the dosage strength and duration of your medication plan. It is not safe to give this combination to children aged 9 years or less. In case of elderly patients, talk to a qualified medical practitioner to know more on the dosage strength. Last but not least, people who have prior hepatic conditions as well as cardiac problems must keep away from taking these two drugs. For more inputs, it is highly recommended to talk to your caregiving team.
Education: Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from the University of Michigan. Experience: Over 8 years of experience writing for health and wellness websites, including WebMD and Healthline, specializing in women’s health and nutrition.
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