Gastric acid hypersecretion and heartburn are conditions that affect at least one third of all adults in the US. The reflux of the gastric acid from the stomach up the food pipe or esophagus causes acute discomfort. Various medications are presently in use to manage the condition and omeprazole is one of the most common and popular medications. In use for more than three decades, since approval by the FDA, omeprazole in various strengths is widely used for conditions that include peptic ulcer, GERD and all disorders that are attributed to over secretion of stomach acid, also known as gastric acid. Here is a detailed look at the medication including omeprazole 40 mg side effects, to help users stay aware of the right way of using the medication.
Overview of omeprazole
Belonging to the category of proton pump inhibitors, omeprazole is used for other outcomes including healing of tissues that are damaged by hypersecretion of gastric acid. It is also used by patients diagnosed with H.pylori infection, in addition to the above use cases. It is regarded as a medication that is relatively well tolerated with a good level of efficacy that makes it a strong choice. Due to its tolerance, it can be safely used by children, in addition to adults.
Compilation of use cases of omeprazole
There are specific conditions treated by the medication, and this includes the following. Patients diagnosed with duodenal ulcer are typically put on a course of omeprazole to promote healing, while the medication is also used for the elimination of H.pylori. This is mainly for the purpose of mitigating or reducing the risk of re-occurrence of duodenal ulcer in adult patients. Omeprazole is also prescribed for treating patients with benign gastric ulcer among adult patients. One of the fallouts of GERD attributed to gastric acid hypersecretion is erosive esophagitis, and omeprazole is prescribed to treat this condition in patients aged more than one month.
It is also used as a maintenance dose for the above condition in patients aged more than one year. Adult patients diagnosed with pathologic hypersecretion are also prescribed omeprazole as part of treatment regimen. Finally, as mentioned earlier, the medication is used in the management of GERD among patients aged more than one year.
Mechanism of action of the medication
The parietal cells in the stomach are responsible for regulating the secretion of hydrochloric acid. The formation of hydrochloric acid, which we know as stomach acid, is facilitated by enzymes on the parietal cell. The proton pump inhibitor possesses antisecretory properties, wherein the gastric acid secretion in inhibited through a selective action on the enzyme system. This is performed by a binding action, which effectively prevents the secretion of gastric acid for a duration that could extend to as much as one and a half days.
Secretion can be broadly classified into two types – basal secretion and stimulated secretion. Basal secretion refers to the condition where gastric acid is secreted at certain times, even without the entry of food into the system. Stimulated secretion refers to the condition wherein gastric acid is secreted as a response to the entry of food into the system. Omeprazole has antisecretory effects that are effective in both conditions, while the duration of action is dose dependant.
Commonly reported omeprazole 40 mg side effects
It is now time to take a look at the undesirable effects of the medication. Without exception all medications are known to trigger unwanted effects. This could be either mild in nature or it could be severe in nature. The duration of possible unwanted effects may also differ from person to person. It is necessary to note that side effects are not mandatorily experienced by all users of medications. While some users may experience possible effects, others may not experience any effects whatsoever. Here is a small compilation of possible effects that many manifest among users.
Patients belonging to the adult age category may experience pain in the stomach, or formation of gas. Other manifestations may include possible vomiting, while some experience feelings of nausea. Headache is another possible common outcome of the medication among users, while diarrhea is another possible condition.
Children may be exposed to the same set of effects, in addition to the onset of fever. This could be either high grade fever or low-grade fever. Most of the possible undesirable outcomes are known to last for a short duration of a few days. This may not require medical intervention, while effects that are intense in nature or persistent may require medical intervention to prevent aggravation.
Adverse effects of the medication
Adverse effects of the medication are relatively rare in occurrence. There are clear symptoms that are indicative of serious or adverse effects. Patients or caregivers who either experience or observe any of the following symptoms are advised to seek medical intervention at the earliest. Long term use of the drug may result in a possible dip in magnesium levels, and the reduced magnesium levels trigger symptoms that include possible tremors and seizures among users. The patient may experience some kind of jittery feeling, while some are known to experience general weakness in the muscles. A dizzy feeling is another possibility, while some are known to experience a spike in heart beat rate.
Apart from the above, patients may also end up with heart beat rates that are irregular in rhythm. The patient may exhibit some difference in speaking ability due to spasm in the voice box. Spams may also be experienced in the hands or the feet of patients. In addition to weakness in the muscles mentioned above, there is also a likelihood of patients ending up with muscle cramps and possible pain. Other adverse effects that may be experienced include a dip in vitamin B-12 as a result of long-term use of the medication. This is because the medication may impact the ability of the body to absorb vitamin B-12.
This is manifested through certain symptoms that include feelings of nervousness or a tingling sensation in the limb extremities. Patients may experience inflammation of the nerves, medically known as neuritis as a result of the deficiency. The deficiency is also known to have an effect on the menstruation cycle of patients. Finally, the effects also extend to muscle coordination, with patients finding it difficult to effectively coordinate movements.
Infection of the intestines is another possible adverse outcome of the medication. Clostridium difficile infection is one such infection that can cause severe diarrhea among patients. There are clear indications that can help identify the condition. For instance, patients may experience severe pain in the stomach, while some are known to end up with watery stools. Patients may also experience fever that is persistent in nature.
Other possible effects from the medication include inflammation of the lining on the insides of the stomach. This is characterized through indications such as pain in the stomach, feelings of nausea, sudden loss of weight and possible bouts of vomiting. Patients may also be exposed to the risk of bone fractures, as a result of long-term use of the medication. This makes it necessary for patients with poor bone health to exercise caution when on the medication. There is also the possibility of damage to the kidneys due to long term usage. Individuals with impaired renal functions or ability are to seek medical attention in the event of certain symptomatic indications. For instance, any sudden change in the color of urine, or pain in the sides are to be reported and assessed. Pain in the flanks is indicative of possible impact on the kidneys.
In addition to the above patients are also exposed to the possibility of a condition medically labelled as cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Symptomatic indications include the possibility of outbreak of rashes that affect the skin on the nose of patients. Similarly, the outbreak of rashes that are either purple in color, or reddish in appearance or raised and scaly are linked to the condition.
Special note of caution for certain categories of patients
In addition to the need for precautions as mentioned above, certain categories of individuals are advised to take extra care as mentioned below. For instance, the safety of omeprazole on pregnant women has not been studied adequately enough to claim complete safety. It is therefore to be taken only on the recommendations of a specialist and under supervision. Pregnant women and women planning a pregnancy are to seek advice on its use, and weigh the desired outcomes with the possible effects before taking the medication. Similarly, women nursing new born infants are also advised to exercise caution. Breastmilk is likely to have traces of the medication and this may have an impact on the health of the suckling infant.
Elderly patients typically face the problem of reduced ability of the kidneys to function effectively. As a consequence of this, the body is likely to process the medication slowly, unlike those of younger generations. This may result in the medication remaining in the body for an extended period of time, exposing the individual to possible side effects. It is therefore necessary to modify dosages as per age and other conditions to reduce the risk of omeprazole 40 mg side effects. Studies have documented that the medication is likely to exercise stronger side effects on individuals of Asian descent. Specialist typically prescribe lower dosages of individuals of Asian descent to reduce the risk of undesirable outcomes. The safety of the medication has not been established for specific uses among children and it is therefore necessary to use it only on advice of treating specialists.
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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