Does Omeprazole increase blood pressure? 

Does Omeprazole increase blood pressure? 

Omeprazole does not generally increase blood pressure. This over-the-counter acid reducer is considered a safe and effective medication for managing acid reflux (1,2). However, people are different and can respond differently to medications.

The blood pressure could be affected in people who are chronic users of Omeprazole, but that too is quite rare. Make sure you monitor your blood pressure if you have been using Omeprazole for a long time or are concerned about your BP. 

In some cases, increased acid reflux and gaseous pain can increase blood pressure by making the body uncomfortable. Omeprazole can manage acid reflux, but it can’t control gaseous pain. Other suitable medications can help you with such pain and discomfort. 

What side effects are common with Omeprazole?

Omeprazole, although it may not increase blood pressure, can cause some side effects. These include:

Common side effects of omeprazole may include: (2,3)

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhoea
  • Stomach pain
  • Constipation
  • Flatulence (excessive gas)
  • Dizziness
  • Rash
  • Fatigue
  • Dry mouth

Rare side effects of omeprazole may include: (4)

  • Allergic reactions (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; hives; difficulty breathing)
  • Severe stomach pain
  • Persistent diarrhoea
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding
  • Changes in urine colour
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
  • Severe skin reactions (blistering, peeling, rash)
  • Muscle weakness
  • Irregular heartbeat

What to do if your blood pressure is high while taking Omeprazole? 

If you are taking Omeprazole and notice that your blood pressure is high, it is important to take certain steps to address the situation. Firstly, it is recommended to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the exact cause of your high blood pressure. 

They may suggest monitoring your blood pressure regularly to keep track of any changes. In addition, your healthcare provider may review your current medications, including Omeprazole or other PPIs like Pantoprazole, to determine if there are any potential interactions or if alternative options are available. 

Making lifestyle modifications can also be beneficial. This may include adopting a balanced and healthy diet, reducing sodium intake, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress through relaxation techniques or counselling, and limiting alcohol consumption.

It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations and attend regular check-ups to monitor your blood pressure. They may adjust your medication regimen or suggest additional interventions as needed.

It is also important to check for drug expiry before you take any medication, as expired medications may not be potent enough to help your symptoms adequately.

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References

1.-

Howden CW. Clinical pharmacology of omeprazole. Clin Pharmacokinet. 1991 Jan;20(1):38-49. doi: 10.2165/00003088-199120010-00003. PMID: 2029801. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2029801/

2.-

Shah N, Gossman W. Omeprazole. 2023 Feb 7. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30969608. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539786

3.-

National Library of Medicine. Indomethacin: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. National Library of Medicine; 2022 [cited 2023 Mar 7]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681027.html

4.-

Castot A, Bidault I, Dahan R, Efthymiou ML. Bilan des effets inattendus et toxiques de l’oméprazole (Mopral) [Evaluation of unexpected and toxic effects of omeprazole (Mopral) reported to the regional centers of pharmacovigilance during the first 22 postmarketing months]. Therapie. 1993 Sep-Oct;48(5):469-74. French. PMID: 8146827. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8146827/