Omeprazole Danger? NHS Issues Urgent New Guidance

The NHS has issued a fresh warning about omeprazole, one of the most widely prescribed medications for heartburn and indigestion. While it is safe and effective in the short term, health experts are cautioning against prolonged use without medical supervision, as it may lead to serious health risks.

What Is Omeprazole?

Omeprazole belongs to a group of medicines called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These drugs work by lowering the amount of acid produced in the stomach. In England alone, over 73 million prescriptions for PPIs were given between 2022 and 2023, with nearly 15% of the population relying on them.

Doctors prescribe omeprazole for a range of digestive conditions, including:

Heartburn and acid reflux
Stomach and duodenal ulcers
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
Helicobacter pylori infections (when combined with antibiotics)
Severe reflux problems in children

Other common PPIs include esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), pantoprazole (Protonix), and rabeprazole (AcipHex).

NHS Advice on Taking Omeprazole

The NHS guidance is clear: if you have bought omeprazole over the counter, do not take it for longer than two weeks without consulting a GP. If your symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical advice rather than continuing on your own.

When using omeprazole:

Take it at the same time each day, once in the morning if prescribed once daily, or morning and evening if prescribed twice daily.
You may take it with or without food.
Always swallow tablets or capsules whole with water. Do not crush or chew those labelled “enteric-coated” or “gastro-resistant,” as this affects how the medicine works.

Risks of Long-Term Omeprazole Use

Although omeprazole is highly effective for managing heartburn and indigestion, prolonged use carries certain risks. The NHS highlights that long-term PPI use may increase the chance of developing a bacterial infection known as Clostridioides difficile. This infection affects the intestines and can lead to symptoms such as:

Persistent diarrhoea
Abdominal pain
Fever

Research has also linked extended use of PPIs to possible effects on kidney health, raising concerns about the risk of kidney disease or failure over time.

Common Side Effects

Like most medicines, omeprazole can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Some of the common ones include:

Headaches
Nausea or vomiting
Stomach pain
Constipation or diarrhoea
Increased gas or bloating

Most side effects are mild and temporary. However, if you feel dizzy or have vision problems after taking omeprazole, the NHS advises avoiding activities such as driving or operating machinery until symptoms resolve.

Conclusion

Omeprazole remains a very useful treatment for heartburn and indigestion when taken correctly. However, the NHS urges people not to rely on it for the long term without medical guidance. If you find yourself needing omeprazole regularly beyond two weeks, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional to rule out underlying conditions and discuss safer long-term options.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

Priya Bairagi

Copy-Writer & Content Editor

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I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.