Gastric disorders such as acid reflux, GERD, heartburn or ulcers may result due to an imbalance of acid levels inside your digestive system. As a result, you may encounter semi-digested or undigested foods turning upwards inside your food-pipe. You tend to witness spells of pain and coughs each time you try swallowing the foods you consume. Letting these aforesaid problems to remain unattended may turn them as severe disorders. Meds such as omeprazole are commonly used to stop such conditions. But does omeprazole affect kidneys? It makes sense to have additional details.
Onset of heartburn is linked to presence of excessive acids in your gastrointestinal system. You may notice discomforts such as a sore throat, a bitter taste, swallowing difficulties, etc. Meds such as omeprazole are widely administered to treat such symptoms and the underlying gastric conditions.
Medical research indicates that acid reflux may show up among people whose lower esophageal sphincter loses muscular tightness. This sphincter works as an effective barrier between stomach and food pipe. If this sphincter functions without any problem, it effectively separates your tummy from undigested foods.
Among those who live with this valve problem, odds of semi-processed food getting into esophagus are high. Due to this, you are likely to see an incidence of acid reflux or other gastrointestinal conditions.
In this milieu, what is omeprazole?
Drugs like omeprazole form part of a genre of meds called proton pump inhibitors (in short, PPI). Such drugs are essentially administered for treating signs of heartburns. Omeprazole helps decrease acidity levels of your gastric system. This action brings about remedy from acid reflux.
Omeprazole
As an added application, PPI drugs are taken to treat a swollen food pipe. Inflammation of esophagus may occur when it comes in touch with harsh digestive acids. This drug is also taken to manage ulcers that occur on intestinal walls. You need to know that ulcers can also occur when you take excessive doses of NSAIDs such as naproxen or ibuprofen.
Does omeprazole affect kidneys?
Yes, intake of omeprazole may cause a renal condition known as acute-tubulointerstitial nephritis. This condition is categorised as an injury of kidneys. It may turn into a chronic condition over a period of time. One of the main reasons for onset of kidney problems is likely oxidative stress on using omeprazole.
If you are experiencing traces of blood in urine, you need to seek medical assistance on an emergency basis. Similarly, if output of urine drops drastically, it is time to ask for clinical support in a professional healthcare setting.
Caveat: Consumption of PPIs like omeprazole can trigger a few other adverse effects. Commonly encountered counterproductive outcomes include discharge of watery stool, headaches, abdominal pain, vomiting as well as nausea. Most side effects may not fall under the severe category. However, in some remote cases, users of omeprazole have observed acute side effects. These include spells of excessive sweating, abnormal pulse rates, being in a depressed state of mind or mood shifts.
Upon witnessing one or more of these severe effects, it is highly recommended to dial 911 on an urgent mode. If you are living in Canada, call Health Canada quickly or establish contact with a poison management cell closer to your home.
Inputs to ensure safe intake of PPI drugs like omeprazole
There are several approaches available to treat increased production of stomach acids. Hence, you may need to guidance of a certified medical practitioner to decide the correct approach. So, it is a good practice to consult with your doctor about proton pump inhibitors and which type of PPI suits your condition. Lastly, always follow the instructions of your treating physician before starting to use omeprazole.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
