Omeprazole: uses, dosing, side effects & brands
Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor sold in the U.S. under 4 brand and generic names, for duodenal ulcer, esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux. Below: what the FDA label says, every product that contains it, what the pills look like, and its recall record.
Key facts
- Drug class
- Proton Pump Inhibitor
- Treats (across its forms)
- Duodenal Ulcer, Esophagitis and Gastroesophageal Reflux
- Available as
- Powder, delayed release · Tablet, delayed release · Capsule, delayed release · Capsule · Oral pellets · Tablet, orally disintegrating, delayed release
- Sold as
- 4 products — Prilosec, Prilosec OTC and Omeprazole Magnesium, and others
- Prescription?
- Both Rx and OTC forms
- Generic available?
- Yes
- Half-life
- about 0.5 to 1 hour (roughly half an hour to an hour) in healthy adults
- What the pharmacy pays
- about $2 for a 30-count supply — not your price
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How Omeprazole is dosed
From the FDA label for Omeprazole (application ANDA204012). Other omeprazole products — different forms, different strengths — are dosed differently. Follow the label for the one you were prescribed.
Indication Recommended Adult ( 2.1 ) and Pediatric Dosage ( 2.2 ) Treatment of Active Duodenal Ulcer 20 mg once daily for 4 weeks; some patientsmay require an additional 4 weeks ( 2.1 ) H. pylori Eradication to Reduce the Risk of Duodenal Ulcer Recurrence Triple Therapy: Omeprazole delayed-release capsules amoxicillin clarithromycin 20mg 1000mg 500mg Each drug twice daily for 10 days ( 2.1 )* Dual Therapy: Omeprazole delayed-release capsules Clarithromycin 40 mg once daily for 14 days** 500 mg three times daily for 14 days( 2.1 ) Active Benign Gastric Ulcer 40 mg once daily for 4 to 8 weeks ( 2.1 ) Symptomatic GERD 20 mg once daily for up to 4 weeks ( 2.1 ) See full prescribing information for weight based dosing in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older ( 2.2 ) EE due to Acid-Mediated GERD 20mg once daily for 4 to 8 weeks ( 2.1 )*** See full prescribing information for weight-based dosing in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older ( 2.2 ) Maintenance of Healing of EE due to Acid-Mediated GERD 20 mg once daily ( 2.1 )**** See full prescribing information for weight based dosing in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older ( 2.2 ) Pathological Hypersecretory Conditions Starting dose is 60 mg once daily (varies with individual patient, see full prescribing information) as long as clinically indicated ( 2.1 ) * if ulcer present, continue omeprazole delayed-release…
Everything below is the FDA label for Omeprazole (capsule, capsule, delayed release, oral pellets, tablet, delayed release, tablet, orally disintegrating, delayed release). Omeprazole is also sold as powder, delayed release, and those are different medicines to take — follow the label for the one you were prescribed.
Omeprazole side effects
The following serious adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in labeling: • Acute Interstitial Nephritis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] • Clostridium difficile -Associated Diarrhea [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] • Bone Fracture [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] • Cutaneous and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] • Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B-12) Deficiency [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] • Hypomagnesemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] • Fundic Gland Polyps [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )] Adults: Most common adverse reactions in adults (incidence ≥ 2%) are • Headache, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and flatulence. ( 6 ) Pediatric patients (2 to 16 years of age): • Safety profile similar to that in adults, except that respiratory system events and fever were the most frequently reported reactions in pediatric studies. ( 8.4 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Hetero Labs Limited at 1-866-495-1995 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience with Omeprazole Monotherapy Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The…
Who shouldn’t take Omeprazole
Omeprazole delayed-release capsules are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to substituted benzimidazoles or to any component of the formulation. Hypersensitivity reactions may include anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock, angioedema, bronchospasm, interstitial nephritis, and urticaria [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6 )]. • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), including omeprazole delayed-release capsules, are contraindicated in patients receiving rilpivirine-containing products [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )]. • For information about contraindications of antibacterial agents (clarithromycin and amoxicillin) indicated in combination with omeprazole delayed-release capsules, refer to the CONTRAINDICATIONS section of their package inserts. • Patients with known hypersensitivity to substituted benzimidazoles or any component of the formulation. ( 4 ) • Patients receiving rilpivirine-containing products. ( 4 , 7 ) • Refer to the Contraindications section of the prescribing information for clarithromycin and amoxicillin, when administered in combination with omeprazole delayed-release capsules. ( 4 )
Omeprazole drug interactions
Tables 3 and 4 include drugs with clinically important drug interactions and interaction with diagnostics when administered concomitantly with omeprazole and instructions for preventing or managing them. Consult the labeling of concomitantly used drugs to obtain further information about interactions with PPIs. Table 3: Clinically Relevant Interactions Affecting Drugs Co-Administered with Omeprazole and Interaction with Diagnostics Antiretrovirals Clinical Impact: The effect of PPIs on antiretroviral drugs is variable. The clinical importance and the mechanisms behind these interactions are not always known. • Decreased exposure of some antiretroviral drugs (e.g., rilpivirine, atazanavir and nelfinavir) when used concomitantly with omeprazole may reduce antiviral effect and promote the development of drug resistance [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. • Increased exposure of other antiretroviral drugs (e.g., saquinavir) when used concomitantly with omeprazole may increase toxicity [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. • There are other antiretroviral drugs which do not result in clinically relevant interactions with omeprazole. Intervention: Rilpivirine-containing products: Concomitant use with omeprazole is contraindicated [see Contraindications ( 4 )]. Atazanavir: Avoid concomitant use with omeprazole. See prescribing information for atazanavir for dosing information. Nelfinavir: Avoid concomitant use with omeprazole. See prescribing information for nelfinavir. Saquinavir: See the prescribing information for saquinavir for monitoring of potential saquinavir-related toxicities. Other antiretrovirals: See prescribing information for specific antiretroviral drugs. Warfarin Clinical Impact: Increased INR and prothrombin time in patients receiving PPIs, including omeprazole, and warfarin concomitantly. Increases in INR and prothrombin time may lead to abnormal bleeding and even death. Intervention: Monitor INR and prothrombin time and adjust the dose of warfarin, if needed, to maintain target INR range. Methotrexate Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of omeprazole with methotrexate (primarily at high dose) may elevate and prolong serum concentrations of methotrexate and/or its metabolite hydroxymethotrexate, possibly leading to methotrexate toxicities. No formal drug interaction studies of high-dose methotrexate with PPIs have been conducted [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 )]. Intervention : A temporary withdrawal of omeprazole may be considered in some patients receiving high-dose methotrexate. CYP2C19 Substrates (e.g., clopidogrel, citalopram, cilostazol, phenytoin, diazepam) Clopidogrel Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of omeprazole 80 mg results in reduced plasma concentrations of the active metabolite of clopidogrel and a reduction in platelet inhibition [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. There are no adequate combination studies of a lower dose of omeprazole or a higher dose of clopidogrel in comparison with the approved dose of clopidogrel. Intervention: Avoid concomitant use with omeprazole. Consider use of alternative anti-platelet therapy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )]. Citalopram Clinical Impact: Increased exposure of citalopram leading to an increased risk of QT prolongation [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Intervention: Limit the dose of citalopram to a maximum of 20 mg per day. See prescribing information for citalopram. Cilostazol Clinical Impact: Increased exposure of one of the active metabolites of cilostazol (3,4-dihydro-cilostazol) [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Intervention: Reduce the dose of cilostazol to 50 mg twice daily. See prescribing information for cilostazol. Phenytoin Clinical Impact: Potential for increased exposure of phenytoin. Intervention: Monitor phenytoin serum concentrations. Dose adjustment may be needed to maintain therapeutic drug concentrations. See prescribing information for phenytoin. Diazepam Clinical Impact: Increased exposure of diazepam [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Intervention: Monitor patients for increased sedation and reduce the dose of diazepam as needed. Digoxin Clinical Impact: Potential for increased exposure of digoxin [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Intervention: Monitor digoxin concentrations. Dose adjustment may be needed to maintain therapeutic drug concentrations. See digoxin prescribing information. Drugs Dependent on Gastric pH for Absorption (e.g., iron salts, erlotinib, dasatinib, nilotinib, mycophenolate mofetil, ketoconazole/itraconazole) Clinical Impact: Omeprazole can reduce the absorption of other drugs due to its effect on reducing intragastric acidity. Intervention: Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF): Co-administration of omeprazole in healthy subjects and in transplant patients receiving MMF has been reported to reduce the exposure to the active metabolite, mycophenolic acid (MPA), possibly due to a decrease in MMF solubility at an increased gastric pH. The clinical relevance of reduced MPA exposure on organ rejection has not been established in transplant patients receiving omeprazole and MMF. Use omeprazole with caution in transplant patients receiving MMF [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. See the prescribing information for other drugs dependent on gastric pH for absorption. Combination Therapy with Clarithromycin and Amoxicillin Clinical Impact: Concomitant administration of clarithromycin with other drugs can lead to serious adverse reactions, including potentially fatal arrhythmias, and are contraindicated. Amoxicillin also has drug interactions. Intervention: See Contraindications, Warnings and Precautions in prescribing information for clarithromycin. See Drug Interactions in prescribing information for amoxicillin. Tacrolimus Clinical Impact: Potential for increased exposure of tacrolimus, especially in transplant patients who are intermediate or poor metabolizers of CYP2C19. Intervention: Monitor tacrolimus whole blood concentrations. Dose adjustment may be needed to maintain therapeutic drug concentrations. See prescribing information for tacrolimus. Interactions with Investigations of Neuroendocrine Tumors Clinical Impact: Serum chromogranin A (CgA) levels increase secondary to PPI-induced decreases in gastric acidity. The increased CgA level may cause false positive results in diagnostic investigations for neuroendocrine tumors [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )]. Intervention: Temporarily stop omeprazole treatment at least 14 days before assessing CgA levels and consider repeating the test if initial CgA levels are high. If serial tests are performed (e.g., for monitoring), the same commercial laboratory should be used for testing, as reference ranges between tests may vary. Interaction with Secretin Stimulation Test Clinical Impact: Hyper-response in gastrin secretion in response to secretin stimulation test, falsely suggesting gastrinoma. Intervention: Temporarily stop omeprazole treatment at least 14 days before assessing to allow gastrin levels to return to baseline [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )]. False Positive Urine Tests for THC Clinical Impact: There have been reports of false positive urine screening tests for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in patients receiving PPIs. Intervention: An alternative confirmatory method should be considered to verify positive results. Other Clinical Impact: There have been clinical reports of interactions with other drugs metabolized via the cytochrome P450 system (e.g., cyclosporine, disulfiram). Intervention: Monitor patients to determine if it is necessary to adjust the dosage of these other drugs when taken concomitantly with omeprazole. Table 4: Clinically Relevant Interactions Affecting Omeprazole When Co-Administered with Other Drugs CYP2C19 or CYP3A4 Inducers Clinical Impact: Decreased exposure of omeprazole when used concomitantly with strong inducers [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Intervention: St. John's Wort, rifampin: Avoid concomitant use with omeprazole [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )]. Ritonavir-containing products: see prescribing information for specific drugs. CYP2C19 or CYP3A4 Inhibitors Clinical Impact: Increased exposure of omeprazole [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Intervention: Voriconazole: Dose adjustment of omeprazole is not normally required. However, in patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, who may require higher doses, dose adjustment may be considered. See prescribing information for voriconazole. See full prescribing information for a list of clinically important drug interactions. ( 7 )
Can you take omeprazole with…?
Source-cited answers for the combinations people actually ask about — each with a verdict and what to watch for.
Every omeprazole product we track (4)
Same active ingredient — different manufacturer, form, price and FDA recall record. That last one is what our independent score measures.
| # | Drug | Rating | Type | Form | Generic? | Pharmacy pays | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 70/100 | Prescription | Powder | Generic | $2 | View → | |
| 2 | 70/100 | Over-the-counter | Tablet | No data | — | View → | |
| 3 | 68/100 | Prescription | Capsule | No data | — | View → | |
| 4 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Capsule | Generic | $2 | View → |
What omeprazole pills look like
Imprint codes, colour and shape from the FDA’s labelling data. Match the imprint on your pill — or search any imprint.
| Imprint | Strength | Colour | Shape | Maker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omepraole;20mg;R158 | 20 mg | white | capsule | — |
| RG49 | 20.6 mg | pink | capsule | — |
| KU;118 | 20 mg | white, yellow | capsule | — |
| KU;118 | 20 mg | white, yellow | capsule | — |
| KU;136 | 40 mg | yellow, yellow | capsule | — |
| APO;020 | 20 mg | pink, brown | capsule | — |
| G;G232 | 40 mg | orange, blue | capsule | — |
| OM;40 | 40 mg | white | capsule | — |
| OM;40 | 40 mg | white | capsule | — |
| G;G231 | 20 mg | blue, blue | capsule | — |
| E;69 | 40 mg | brown | capsule | — |
| APO;040 | 40 mg | pink, brown | capsule | — |
Combination products containing omeprazole
A combination is a different drug — different dosing, different warnings. It is listed here so you can find it, not so you can substitute it.
Omeprazole recalls
From the FDA Enforcement database. A recall covers specific lots — not the drug as a whole.
Omeprazole Delayed-release Capsules
Presence of foreign tablets/capsules: presence of foreign Divalproex Sodium Extended-Release 250mg tablet in a bottle of omeprazole capsules.
Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Inc. · Jun 30, 2025
Omeprazole and Sodium Bicarbonate For Oral Suspension 40mg/1
Subpotent Drug: Out of specification for assay
Bausch Health Companies, Inc. · Feb 2, 2024
Can you crush or split omeprazole?
At least one omeprazoleproduct is labelled to be swallowed whole — crushing an extended-release tablet releases the whole day’s dose at once. Which applies depends on the form you were given.
What each omeprazole label says about crushing, splitting and chewingHow long does omeprazole take to work?
“It may take 1 to 4 days for you to feel the full benefit of the medication.” — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
What the NIH says about how quickly omeprazole worksHow long omeprazole keeps
No omeprazole label we read sets a separate limit for after opening, but they do specify how it must be stored — and the stability behind any date assumes those conditions.
Does omeprazole expire? The in-use limits and storage rules from its labelsOmeprazole and breastfeeding
From LactMed, the US National Library of Medicine’s Drugs and Lactation Database — quoted, not rewritten.
Full LactMed record for omeprazole: levels in milk, effects in breastfed infants, and the drugs it would consider insteadLimited information indicates that maternal omeprazole doses of 20 mg daily produce low levels in milk and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants.
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, record revised May 15, 2022. LactMed states its information is not a substitute for professional judgement.
What people report to the FDA about omeprazole
The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) collects reports from patients and clinicians. It holds 365,182 reports naming omeprazole, and the FDA flagged 74% of those reports as serious. The effects reported most often — leaving out reports about overdose, misuse or the condition being treated, which dominate the raw list for common medicines:
- nausea21,908 reports
- diarrhoea21,737 reports
- fatigue21,704 reports
- dyspnoea17,868 reports
- headache16,121 reports
- chronic kidney disease14,894 reports
- vomiting14,595 reports
- dizziness14,440 reports
Read these as a signal, not a rate. A report does not mean omeprazole caused the effect — anyone can file one, and many describe people taking several medicines for several conditions. Crucially there is no denominator: FAERS does not record how many people took the drug, so these counts cannot be turned into “X% of patients” — a bigger number often just means a more widely used or more talked-about drug. Duplicates exist, and publicity drives reporting. For what is actually established, read the FDA label section above.
Source: openFDA drug/event (FAERS), retrieved August 25, 2026.
How long omeprazole stays in your system
The elimination half-life of omeprazole is about 0.5 to 1 hour (roughly half an hour to an hour) in healthy adults. The half-life is longer in older adults (about 1 hour) and in people with chronic liver disease (nearly 3 hours); its metabolites have little or no activity, but because omeprazole irreversibly binds the stomach's acid pump, its acid-blocking effect lasts far longer than this short half-life would suggest.
OMEPRAZOLE capsule, delayed release — DailyMed (FDA label), Clinical Pharmacology / Pharmacokinetics ↗Half-life is how long the body takes to clear half a dose. It is not the same as how long a drug test can detect it, and it varies with age, kidney and liver function.
Related guides
Related calculators
Frequently asked questions
What is Omeprazole?
Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat Duodenal Ulcer, Esophagitis, Gastroesophageal Reflux, Heartburn.
What kind of drug is omeprazole?
The FDA classifies omeprazole as a proton pump inhibitor. Proton pump inhibitors block the H+/K+ ATPase 'proton pump' in the stomach's acid-making cells, the final step in producing stomach acid. By binding this pump, they sharply and lastingly cut acid output, easing heartburn and helping ulcers heal. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.
How long does omeprazole stay in your system?
The elimination half-life of omeprazole is about 0.5 to 1 hour (roughly half an hour to an hour) in healthy adults — that is how long the body takes to clear half of a dose. The half-life is longer in older adults (about 1 hour) and in people with chronic liver disease (nearly 3 hours); its metabolites have little or no activity, but because omeprazole irreversibly binds the stomach's acid pump, its acid-blocking effect lasts far longer than this short half-life would suggest. Half-life is not the same as how long a drug test can detect the drug, and it varies with age, kidney and liver function.
Can you take omeprazole with other medicines?
It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run omeprazole against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.
What brand names is omeprazole sold under?
We track 4 omeprazole-containing products in the U.S.: Prilosec, Prilosec OTC, Omeprazole Magnesium and Omeprazole. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.
What forms does omeprazole come in?
Across the brands we track, omeprazole is currently marketed as powder, delayed release, tablet, delayed release, capsule, delayed release, capsule, oral pellets and tablet, orally disintegrating, delayed release, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.
Is there a generic omeprazole?
Yes. Our catalog lists 2 generic omeprazole products alongside the brand versions. A generic has the same active ingredient and must meet the FDA's bioequivalence standard; it usually costs less. Ask your pharmacist which one your plan covers.
Has omeprazole been recalled?
The FDA's Enforcement database lists 2 recall records whose product description mentions omeprazole. The most recent: Omeprazole Delayed-release Capsules (Jun 30, 2025). A recall applies to specific lots, not to the drug as a whole — check the record for the affected lot numbers.
How long does it take for omeprazole to work?
Omeprazole (a proton pump inhibitor) is not an instant antacid — it can take 1 to 4 days of daily use to reach its full acid-reducing effect, so symptom relief builds over several days rather than minutes. For immediate relief people often use a separate antacid early on; ask your pharmacist.
What should I avoid while taking omeprazole?
Other medicines: we hold source-cited interaction answers for Can you take ibuprofen with omeprazole?, Can you take famotidine with omeprazole? and Can you take Tums with omeprazole?. This is what the FDA label and our cited sources say — it is not a complete list. Your pharmacist can check your own combination.
What are the common side effects of omeprazole?
The side effects most people notice are usually mild and gastrointestinal. MedlinePlus lists headache, constipation, gas (flatulence), nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting as common. These generally do not require stopping the medicine. If any of them are severe or don't go away, tell your prescriber rather than just pushing through — persistent stomach pain or diarrhea can occasionally signal something that needs to be checked. This is not a complete list; omeprazole can cause other effects.
What are the serious side effects of omeprazole, and when should I call a doctor?
Call your doctor immediately, per MedlinePlus, if you have: 'rash; hives; itching; swelling of the eyes, face, lips, mouth, throat, or tongue'; 'blisters, peeling, or bleeding skin; sores on the lips, nose, mouth, or genitals'; 'irregular, fast, or pounding heartbeat; muscle spasms; uncontrollable shaking' (these can be signs of low magnesium); 'severe diarrhea with watery stools, stomach pain, or fever that does not go away'; 'new or worsening joint pain; rash on cheeks or arms that is sensitive to sunlight'; or 'increased or decreased urination, blood in urine, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite' (possible kidney injury). Get emergency help for swelling of the throat or tongue or trouble breathing — that can be a life-threatening allergic reaction.
What are the long-term side effects of taking omeprazole for months or years?
Because omeprazole is often taken long-term, the FDA prescribing information flags several risks that grow with dose and duration. Bone fracture: studies suggest a higher risk of wrist, hip, and spine fractures with 'high-dose, defined as multiple daily doses, and long-term PPI therapy (a year or longer).' Low magnesium (hypomagnesemia): 'reported rarely in patients treated with PPIs for at least three months, in most cases after a year of therapy' — it can cause muscle spasms, irregular heartbeat, or seizures. Vitamin B12 deficiency: 'daily treatment with any acid-suppressing medications over a long period of time (e.g., longer than 3 years)' can reduce B12 absorption. Fundic gland polyps: benign stomach-lining growths that the label notes 'appear to be reversible when treatment is discontinued.' Don't stop on your own — long-term use should be reviewed with your prescriber, who may periodically check magnesium or B12.
When do omeprazole side effects start, and how long do they last?
The everyday effects — headache and stomach upset — tend to show up early, in the first days to weeks of treatment, and usually stay mild for as long as you take the drug. The serious, use-related risks are the opposite: they build over time. Per the FDA label, low magnesium is generally seen only after at least three months (most cases after a year), and B12 depletion with use longer than about 3 years. There is no reliable exact day-count for when milder effects fade, so be wary of sources that give one. For over-the-counter omeprazole, MedlinePlus is specific: 'do not take nonprescription omeprazole for longer than 14 days or treat yourself with omeprazole more often than once every 4 months without talking to your doctor.'
Can stopping omeprazole cause worse heartburn (rebound acid)?
Yes — this is well documented and catches many people off guard. After weeks or months on a PPI, the stomach can temporarily overproduce acid when the drug is withdrawn, called rebound acid hypersecretion. In studies of healthy volunteers, stopping a PPI triggered acid-related symptoms in roughly 40–50% of people, even those who had no reflux to begin with. This is not a reason to stay on it forever, and it does not mean the drug is 'addictive' in the usual sense — but it does mean you shouldn't quit abruptly on your own. Tapering (for example, stretching to every 2–3 days, or bridging with an H2 blocker like famotidine or a calcium-carbonate antacid) tends to work better than stopping cold, and this should be planned with your prescriber.
Is watery diarrhea on omeprazole a sign of an intestinal infection?
It can be, which is why it's treated as a call-your-doctor red flag rather than ordinary diarrhea. By lowering stomach acid, PPIs like omeprazole slightly raise the risk of a gut infection with Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). The FDA label advises that this diagnosis 'should be considered for diarrhea that does not improve.' MedlinePlus specifically lists 'severe diarrhea with watery stools, stomach pain, or fever that does not go away' among the effects for which you should call your doctor right away. Mild, brief loose stools are a common everyday side effect; watery diarrhea that persists, comes with fever or stomach pain, or contains blood is the version that warrants prompt medical attention.
Cite this page
- APA
- pharmaranks. (2026, July 24). Omeprazole: uses, dosing, side effects & brands. https://pharmaranks.com/drugs/omeprazole
- MLA
- “Omeprazole: uses, dosing, side effects & brands.” pharmaranks, 24 July 2026, https://pharmaranks.com/drugs/omeprazole.
We summarise public FDA and NIH sources — for a clinical claim, cite the primary source we link to as well.
Sources: FDA openFDA drug label, National Drug Code Directory, and Enforcement (recall) database. This page reproduces public FDA data and is not medical advice. Dosing is set by your prescriber.
Read the full FDA label for omeprazole on DailyMed (NIH) ↗.