Is omeprazole safe during pregnancy?

Your tummy is home to gastric acids; these acids help digest the foods you eat. These are quite harsh and acidic – their hydrogen-ion concentration (pH) level ranges in between 1.2 to 3.1. Without these acids, you may find it difficult to process foods in your gastric system. Quantum of acids in your digestive system is determined by the orders your brain gives. A spike in acid levels may cause ulcers in your stomach. Proton pump inhibitors – such as omeprazole – are used for treating acidic conditions. But is omeprazole safe during pregnancy? It is useful to know more.

Excessive acids may cause ulcers in the intestines – especially at your small intestines; in some cases, the bottom portion of esophagus (food pipe) may also develop ulcerous conditions. Acid reflux (also known as GERD) is triggered when added amounts of acids are made. This may show up as loss of tooth / teeth, pain in your chest region, heartburn and stomach pains. If extra acids are left untreated, acid reflux can result in swelling of your food-pipe / esophagus and rupture of inner linings of stomach.

When you take meals – especially heavy meals, your brain ‘tells’ your gastric system to make more acids. In such cases, overabundance of acids can cause problems deep inside your gastric system. Meds belonging to a genre called proton pump inhibitors enable acid levels to come down. Such meds are rated as most-essential meds by WHO.

Proton pump inhibitors form the first-line of treatment for acid reflux / GERD. These meds can also treat peptic ulcers, stress-triggered conditions like gastritis, etc. A few PPIs are sold as OTC drugs. However, taking these drugs for long is not a good practice.

So, what is a proton pump inhibitor?

Proton pump inhibiting drug blocks pumps in the tummy from making acids. These are also known as proton-pumps; quantum of acids your system makes is directly dependent on these pumps. Decreased production of acids enables treatment of acid reflux / heartburn; it also helps treating pains caused by ulcers.

Caveat: an overdose of PPI drugs may reduce acid levels sizably. This may cause another condition known as hypochlorhydria, and also as achlorhydria. Several intestinal conditions – triggered by strands like Helicobacter pylori – are treated with PPIs. Drugs enhance acidic content of gastric juices to arrest microbial growth.

What is omeprazole?

Omeprazole is one of the drugs available to treat ulcers, acid reflux, infections of Helicobacter pylori, swelling of esophagus, etc. Chemicals used in omeprazole work to decrease acid levels in the gastric system. As omeprazole is made in its generic from, it can help save on dollars. This med is available in the capsule form and also as tablets.

In a few nations, omeprazole is made as tablet that orally disintegrates. You also get omeprazole with a delayed-release way of working. It keeps it intact i.e., even amid extreme levels of acidity inside your stomach.

Is omeprazole safe during pregnancy?

PPI-med omeprazole can be given to women who are pregnant, only if benefits outdo risks. Research on this med show absence of greater risks during pregnancy. But breastfeeding women are advised to keep away from it; its essential chemicals can reach breastmilk and are unsafe to infants. Infants who had mothers’ milk – with traces of omeprazole – can turn restless and sleepless.

Women who are pregnant must stay aware of possible adverse outcomes. Inform your physician upon having headaches, flatulence, dizziness, etc. These side effects may go off soon; but if they persist for long, call your treating doctor with no further delay.

During pregnancy, using omeprazole for a fairly longer timespan is harmful. Frequent or regular use can trigger inflammation of your renal system, cause inadequacy of vitamins like B12 and also weaken your bones. It is advised to talk to your caregiver about – is omeprazole safe during pregnancy prior to using it.

Disclaimer

Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.