Health Encyclopedia > Drug Interaction by Drug Name > Omeprazole

Omeprazole

Brand Name: Losec®, Prilosec®

Omeprazole Information

is a member of the proton pump inhibitor family of drugs, which blocks production of stomach acid. is used to treat diseases in which stomach acid causes damage, including gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, erosive esophagitis, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
(for details about the summarized interactions, read the full article)

May be Beneficial: Depletion or interference—The medication may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the nutrient. Taking these nutrients may help replenish them.	Folic acid Vitamin B12*
May be Beneficial: Side effect reduction/prevention—Taking these supplements may help reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the medication.	Cranberry*
Supportive interaction	None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	None known
Adverse interaction	None known

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Omeprazole Interactions with Dietary Supplements

Folic acid
Folic acid is needed by the body to utilize vitamin B12. Antacids, including omeprazole, inhibit folic acid absorption.¹ People taking antacids are advised to supplement with folic acid.

Vitamin B12
interferes with the absorption of vitamin B12 from food (though not from supplements) in some² ³ ⁴ ⁵ but not all⁶ ⁷ studies. A true deficiency state, resulting in vitamin B12-deficiency anemia, has only been reported in one case.⁸ The fall in vitamin B12 status may result from the decrease in stomach acid required for vitamin B12 absorption from food caused by the drug.⁹ This problem may possibly be averted by drinking acidic juices when eating foods containing vitamin B12.¹⁰

However, all people taking omeprazole need to either supplement with vitamin B12 or have their vitamin B12 status checked on a yearly basis. Even relatively small amounts of vitamin B12 such as 10–50 mcg per day, are likely to protect against drug induced vitamin depletion.

Omeprazole Interactions with Herbs

Cranberry (Vaccinium marocarpon)
People taking omeprazole may increase absorption of dietary vitamin B12 by drinking cranberry juice or other acidic liquids with vitamin B12-containing foods.¹¹

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Medication Reviews & Side Effects for Omeprazole

Write an online review of Omeprazole

Review Date: 3/15/2007
Medication: Omeprazole -

- I Love It
Medication Type: Generic
Length Taken: More than 1 year
Strength: 20 mg X 2 times per day
Side Effects: None
Other Products Taken: Fosamax 70 mg. one a week

Omeprazole works well as I have no more reflex. I read that this product takes calcium from my body. My doctor put me on Fosamax. I just read the systems and I have just stopped taking fosamax and any other type of drug. I take 1200 mg. a day of calcium. I am 64 years old and feel healthy.

Pete
Kenosha, WI USA

Review Date: 11/28/2007
Medication: Omeprazole -

- Average
Medication Type: Generic
Length Taken: Less than 1 month
Strength: 20 mg X 2 times per day
Side Effects: Headache, Dizziness
Other Products Taken: Floradil, Flovent, Prednisone, Vitamins and Supplements

My granddaughter who is ll years old and has GERD started taking Omeprazole about two weeks ago, and now she is experiencing headaches and dizziness. It did, however work well for the GERD (after about 3 weeks). Will be mentioning these side effects to the gastroenterologist tomorrow for a follow-up and ask his opinion.

Anonymous
Dallas, TX
USA

Review Date: 3/12/2008
Medication: Omeprazole -

- I Love It
Medication Type: Generic
Length Taken: More than 1 year
Strength: 40 mg X 1 times per day
Other Products Taken: Levothyroxine

I have Gerd and a Hiatial Hernia. I just had a bone scan and it was abnormal. I've taken a PPI for about five years and will start on 1200mg Calcium and 400mg Vitamin D. However, I'm looking for a natural alternative to a PPI which will help reduce the bone loss. Any ideas?

Ron P
Chattanooga, TN

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. The "reviews" listed for any medical condition, prescription drug, condition or symtpom is provided specifically from eVitamins and is not associated with healthnotes.