What is Omeprazole Used For?

Omeprazole uses

Omeprazole is primarily used to treat excess stomach acid disorders and the subsequent esophageal symptoms that they cause. By affecting the amount of acid that is produced in the stomach, omeprazole uses the pathways to help balance the over production and bring the amount of acid in the stomach back down to a less problematic volume. It is important to consult with your physician before taking any medications, and although omeprazole uses may fit one or more of your needs, always defer to the guidance of medical professionals. If you are pregnant or may become pregnant while on Prilosec or omeprazole, it is important to let your doctor know right away. While there have not been many studies on the effects of combining Prilosec and pregnancy, there are several animal studies that have shown negative effects. The same goes for combining Prilosec and alcohol, as there is limited recorded side effects, but caution should be heeded by avoiding alcohol when taking any medication(s).

The healing effects of omeprazole can help to relieve the typical symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and/or a deep cough. While it does not provide instant relief from heartburn symptoms, because of the mechanism that omeprazole uses it helps to prevent ulcers and cancer of the esophagus. If you are taking Prilosec OTC, it is still important to discuss the proper treatment methods and plan with your doctor and/or pharmacist to negate any undue side effects and obtain the maximal benefits possible.

Omeprazole and pregnancy warnings

Combining Prilosec and pregnancy should only be done when the benefits outweigh the risks, as determined by your physician. There are specific reasons to combine omeprazole and pregnancy, especially during labor and delivery to help prevent Mendelson’s syndrome. But again this is a discussion that you want to have with your doctor well in advance to avoid any hasty decision making.

Combining Prilosec and alcohol

Omeprazole and alcohol can be combined safely for most people, but it is always advisable to avoid mixing medications with alcohol if you don’t have to. There are a number of reasons that mixing Prilosec and alcohol can cause negative health effects including: another drug interaction, an underlying liver disorder, or ulcers in the stomach. As mixing omeprazole and alcohol can have an irritative effect on the stomach lining, it can make your acid imbalance even worse. People that are drinking heavily will notice that the effectiveness of the mechanisms that omeprazole uses will be reduced when they are drinking, which can lead to increased symptoms. Always discuss any mixing of medication and alcohol with your physician or a pharmacist to ensure that you are not doing yourself unnecessary harm.