Omeprazole Side Effects

Quick Summary
- Omeprazole is a proton-pump inhibitor used to treat GI conditions involving an excessive amount of acid in the stomach.
- Omeprazole treats conditions including GERD, erosive esophagitis, and gastric and duodenal ulcers.
- Common side effects can include headaches, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, or flatulence.
- Common brands of omeprazole include Prilosec OTC, Zegerid, and OmePPi
- If you are experiencing life-threatening signs and symptoms of the drug, seek immediate medical attention.
WHAT IS OMEPRAZOLE USED FOR?
Omeprazole is used to treat and manage several gastrointestinal conditions typically caused by an excess of stomach acid. The use of omeprazole can include:
- Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also referred to as acid reflux
- Treatment of ulcers or to help prevent ulcers
- Treatment or prevention of erosive esophagitis (EE)
- Treatment of other conditions where your stomach makes too much acid
- Treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections
Your healthcare provider may also prescribe omeprazole to treat other conditions.
THING YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE USING OMEPRAZOLE
When deciding to use a medication new to you, it’s important to take the risks and benefits into consideration before beginning its use. You and your doctor will work together to make this decision considering the following:
Allergies
Inform your doctor if you have any allergies to medications, including this one, or other drugs, or if you’ve experienced any unusual reactions to medications in the past. Additionally, be sure to mention any other allergies you may have, such as those to foods, dyes, animals, or preservatives.
Geriatric
Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the medication’s effects than younger patients. Your doctors will take your age into consideration to determine if omeprazole is the right medicine for your symptoms.
Breastfeeding
If you’re breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor of taking omeprazole.
Drug Interactions
Discuss all medications and supplements you are currently taking with your doctor to avoid any potential drug interactions with this new medication.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Serious Side Effects (Contact Your Doctor Immediately)
Rare
- Back, leg, or stomach pain
- Sores on lips, skin, or genitals
- Blisters
- Bloody or cloudy urine
- Fever or chills
- Chronic sores in the mouth or lips
- Painful urination or frequent urination
- Skin itching, rash, redness, or peeling
- Joint or muscle pain
- Loss of appetite
- General feeling of discomfort
- Eye redness, soreness, or irritation
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- White spots on lips, mouth, or genitals
- Sore throat
- Lupus
Unknown Frequency
- Black, tarry stools
- Bleeding gums
- Vision problems
- Peeling or loosening skin
- Swelling in the face, arms, legs, or feet
- Chest pain or tightness
- Confusion or mood changes
- Constipation or indigestion
- Dark or light-colored stools
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Numbness around the mouth, fingers, or toes
- Fast or uneven heartbeat
- Large, hive-like swelling
- Lower back or side pain
- Muscle cramps or twitching
- Nausea or vomiting
- Vomiting blood
- Rapid weight gain
- Red or purple skin lesions
- Seizures or trembling
- Stomach pain that may spread to the back
- Swollen glands or yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Unpleasant breath
Emergency Symptoms of Overdose (Seek Help Immediately)
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Dry mouth
- Flushed skin
- Headache
- Increased sweating
Less Serious Side Effects (Usually Do Not Need Medical Attention)
Less Common
- Body aches or pains
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Ear congestion
- Gas or heartburn
- Loss of voice
- Muscle pain
- Runny or stuffy nose or sneezing
- Drowsiness
Unknown Frequency
- Nosebleeds
- Buzzing or ringing in the ears
- Decreased interest in sex or difficulty with performance
- Dry mouth
- Hearing loss
- Increased sensitivity to sunlight or severe sunburn
- Red or discolored skin
- Swelling or soreness in the breasts (both males and females)
- Difficulty sleeping
If you experience any of the above symptoms or any other unusual effects, talk to your healthcare professional. If you experience any unusual symptoms, discuss them with your doctor. You can report unusual side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088.
WHEN SHOULD I SEE A PAIN PHYSICIAN
If you’re experiencing chronic pain due to the use of omeprazole or any of the symptoms listed above, talk to your primary care physician. If you’re still dealing with pain after your visit, a pain management physician near you may be your best option. At Pain Specialists of Charleston, our board-certified pain management physicians will help you find the root cause of your pain so you can reclaim your quality of life.
Our pain management clinic is open five days a week, and we are currently accepting new patients. Schedule your appointment with us today – no referral needed!
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Other Prescriptions Known for Possible Body Aches & Pains
CONDITIONS WE MANAGE
TREATMENT WE OFFER
At Pain Specialists of Charleston, our board-certified team offers pain management treatment in the form of:
- Epidural Steroid Injection including cervical, thoracic, and lumbar injections
- Joint Injections including knees, shoulders, and hip injections
- Caudal Epidural Injection
- Hip Joint Injection
- Lumbar Sympathetic Block
- Facet Joint Injection
- Medial Branch Block
- Radiofrequency Ablation (Rhizotomy)
- Sacroiliac Joint Injection
- Discography
- Neurostimulation, also known as Spinal Cord Stimulation
- Stellate Ganglion Block
- Transforaminal Selective Nerve Root Block Injection
- Medical Massage Therapy
- Clinical Trials
- …and MORE!

ABOUT PAIN SPECIALISTS OF CHARLESTON
At Pain Specialists of Charleston, our mission is to provide you with relief from your chronic pain through the latest, most innovative pain management treatments available. Whether you’re suffering from back pain, whiplash, or anything in between, we can help you get back to feeling like yourself once again.
Plus, no referral is necessary!
At our pain management clinic, our experienced team approaches your pain through a variety of services to best meet your needs. This includes anesthesiology, neurology, psychology, and nursing. Our providers believe in collaborating with your healthcare team – your primary care physician, specialists, chiropractor, physical therapist, and especially you, the patient, to bring you the care you need.
Our private practice is powered by a talented, carefully selected leadership team.
MEET DOCTOR EDWARD M. TAVEL, JR., MD
- Over 30+ Years of Specialty Training
- Double-Board Certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Management
AWARDS & ASSOCIATIONS

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FAQS
What should I do if I miss a dose of omeprazole?
If you accidentally miss a dose of omeprazole, just take it as soon as you remember. If it’s close to time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next one. Do not take double doses or extra doses. Talk to your doctor directly about the proper dosage for your prescription.
Sources:
National Library of Medicine: Omeprazole