These days it’s widely known that mixing alcohol with certain medications can be dangerous. But what about omeprazole (commonly known as Prilosec)? After all, it’s just a heartburn medication, right? While that’s true, there can be complications with this combination for reasons that may surprise you.
For those among us who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), omeprazole can bring relief. This medication is taken in pill form daily to prevent heartburn.
But what if you want a beer or another alcoholic beverage with that meal? You may be questioning the safety of doing so.
So let’s address that question and explore alcohol’s impact on the medication as well as how alcohol affects the stomach. We will also discuss the possible risks of drinking alcohol with omeprazole and the effects of combining them.
What is Omeprazole?
Omeprazole is a medication used to treat chronic heartburn, acid reflux, stomach ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
While doctors say there’s no evidence that alcohol interacts with omeprazole or reduces its effectiveness, it can worsen the underlying issue. This refers to the fact that alcohol can trigger more acid in the stomach. The same holds for other common reflux medications like Zantac and Pepcid, or antacids like Tums and Maalox.
However, suppose you’re taking omeprazole as part of the treatment for another condition such as helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. In that case, you do need to be very cautious about drinking alcohol as other drugs may be included in the treatment.
Side Effects of Omeprazole
Mild side effects can occur from the medication itself such as:
- Upset stomach
- Rashes
- Headache
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Cold symptoms
- Cough
It’s essential to tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you take before starting omeprazole since it can interfere with blood thinners and anti-seizure drugs.
Schedule a private call with a Ria Health team member and we can help you get started.
Alcohol’s Impact on the Stomach
According to the National Library of Medicine, omeprazole is a heartburn medication classified as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). When acids from your stomach leak into the esophagus due to a faulty valve you can experience a burning sensation in your chest commonly referred to as heartburn. Omeprazole comes to the rescue by blocking the pump in your stomach that produces the acid needed to digest food.
Alcohol not only aggravates the symptoms of acid reflux. It can also increase the risk of potential complications. For example, ongoing GERD can result in erosive esophagitis, sores, and damage to the esophagus. Alcohol can exacerbate the condition by causing more pain and burning. It can also worsen ulcers (stomach sores).
How Long Should You Wait to Drink Alcohol After Taking Omeprazole?
Avoiding alcohol altogether is the most effective way to prevent it from interfering with your GERD treatment. But can you drink alcohol while taking omeprazole? According to Health Central, it’s fine to consume alcohol in moderation while on omeprazole. This translates to less than two servings of alcohol per day for men, and less than one serving per day for women.
And if you’re taking omeprazole solely to avoid a reflux attack from drinking (though not recommended) the best time to take it is on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before you drink. This enables the medicine to block the pumps before they start acid production. Health Central cites this works best when you take it consistently.
However, as with any medication, it is best to take it under the supervision of a physician who’s familiar with your medical history.
Risks of Drinking Alcohol with Omeprazole
So if there is not a drug interaction between alcohol and omeprazole, what is the risk? It all comes down to the reality that alcohol increases stomach acid causing and potentially worsening the very problem you are trying to avoid.
To address the fact that omeprazole appears not to be working your physician may increase your dosage or prescribe additional treatments. And alcohol may likely render those treatments ineffective as well, leading to a vicious cycle that can be avoided by not drinking alcohol.
In addition, protein pump inhibitors like omeprazole are a greater risk if you have a drinking problem. One study revealed that PPI use increases the likelihood of alcoholic liver disease in people who are alcohol-dependent, by reducing the production of stomach acid. Less stomach acid allows bacteria to multiply in the gut and those bacteria in addition to alcohol use, can cause liver damage.
How to Address an Interaction Between Alcohol and Omeprazole
If you are drinking alcohol and find that omeprazole isn’t reducing your gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms or they are worsening that is a red flag to avoid or at least reduce alcohol consumption. And it’s important to seek medical attention to prevent damage to your esophagus or liver.
Find More Support
If you are having difficulty managing your alcohol consumption and are concerned about the related GERD symptoms (or about your overall wellness) Ria Health is here to help. We offer a comprehensive online program to help you reduce your drinking or quit altogether. Our telemedicine program will work with you to achieve and maintain your sobriety goals for a healthier lifestyle.
The program provides access to anti-craving medications, weekly meetings with our supportive recovery coaches to keep you motivated, and tracking tools from the convenience of your smartphone from the comfort of your home. Your coach will partner with you to curate a personalized goal plan that fits seamlessly with your schedule. To learn more about our program schedule a consultation with a team member today!
