NHS issues warning over 'common' heartburn and indigestion tablets
The NHS has a warning about the medication on its website
Omeprazole ranks amongst the most frequently prescribed medications across the UK, with the latest figures revealing 73 million NHS prescriptions for proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as Omeprazole, were issued in England during 2022-23. Further statistics indicate that PPI usage impacts approximately 15% of the population.
PPIs are medications that reduce stomach acid production. They function by blocking the proton pumps, enzymes situated in the stomach lining that generate acid. This alleviates problems including acid reflux and heartburn.
Other medical ailments addressed by PPIs encompass indigestion, healing of stomach ulcers, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The medication can also be utilised, in combination with antibiotics, to tackle the stomach infection Helicobacter pylori.
Widely-used PPIs encompass Omeprazole (Prilosec), Esomeprazole (Nexium), Lansoprazole (Prevacid), Pantoprazole (Protonix), and Rabeprazole (AcipHex). Whilst they prove effective, especially for prolonged treatment courses, there are potential dangers linked with long-term usage, reports the Mirror.
The NHS has issued a caution regarding this on its website. The guidance states: "Do not take omeprazole for longer than two weeks if you bought it without a prescription. See a GP if your symptoms get worse or do not get better."
Long-term use of PPIs is associated with an increased risk of a bacterial infection known as Clostridioides difficile. This bacterium can cause an infection in the intestines, leading to diarrhoea and other symptoms such as abdominal pain and fever.
Clostridioides difficile typically causes illness when antibiotics disrupt the balance of normal gut bacteria, allowing it to proliferate and produce toxins. Symptoms include:
- Watery or offensive stools, sometimes with mucus or blood
- Abdominal pain or tenderness
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
In most individuals, Clostridioides difficile coexists harmlessly in the intestines with various other bacteria. However, when antibiotics wipe out the beneficial bacteria, they can rapidly multiply. These toxins irritate the colon, resulting in infection symptoms.
Clostridioides difficile can be triggered by medication disrupting the natural gut flora. It can also be spread through spores that survive on contaminated surfaces. It primarily affects at-risk groups, including the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.
How to take omeprazole
Omeprazole usually comes in tablets, capsules, and a liquid form for ingestion. Some tablets can be dissolved in water.
The dosage and length of treatment depend on the specific type of omeprazole you are using and the reason for its use. It is generally taken once or twice daily.
Some individuals may only need it for a few days, whilst others might have to carry on for several weeks, months, or even years. Always check the packaging or leaflet that comes with your medication.
If you're unsure about how to take it or experience any problems, seek advice from a pharmacist or doctor.
NHS says when taking omeprazole:
- try to take it at the same time each morning if you take it once a day, or at the same time each morning and evening if you take it twice a day
- you can take it with or without food
- swallow tablets and capsules with water – do not chew or crush capsules or tablets labelled "enteric coated" or "gastro resistant"
It adds: "Ask a pharmacist for advice if you have problems swallowing pills or capsules. They may be able to suggest different ways to take your medicine."
Side effects of omeprazole
Like all medicines, omeprazole can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them. Common side effects of omeprazole include:
- a headache
- stomach pain
- feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
- constipation or diarrhoea
- farting more than usual
The NHS says: "Omeprazole will not usually affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery. But if you feel dizzy or have problems with your vision after taking it, wait until you no longer have these side effects."
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