Omeprazole is one of the most prescribed medications in Chile to treat conditions related to excess stomach acid, such as peptic ulcer, GERD and gastritis.
To purchase it, you must present a simple recipe. However, there are unauthorized places where it is sold, facilitating access.
Unfortunately, patients, when they feel abdominal discomfort, use this drug, and some take it chronically as a preventive measure before eating, without considering the effects this may have.
Periodic evaluation of patients who chronically use these medications is recommended, especially in older patients with cardiovascular risks (diabetes, dyslipidemia, smokers).
Among the side effects of Omeprazole consumption, we can mention short-term, in general, few adverse effects occur, including headache and gastrointestinal discomfort (diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain). While, in the long term, it can cause kidney damage, and if the patient already has kidney problems, they can progress more quickly.
Chronic use of PPIs may increase the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, as previously reviewed. It is important to keep these both short- and long-term side effects in mind when considering chronic PPI use and avoiding self-medication.
The most important thing is that people do not self-medicate. This medication must be prescribed by the doctor for pathologies due to gastric hyperacidity that can be diagnosed. It is not normal for you to have a stomachache, or to feel sick after eating, but that does not mean that you should take omeprazole to avoid it; It should be checked because it could be masking another illness.
Daniela Guzman
Academic Chemistry and Pharmacy U. Andrés Bello
