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What Is the Relationship between Omeprazole and Blood Pressure?

Jamie Nedderman
Jamie Nedderman

The uses of omeprazole are primarily acid-induced problems with the stomach, such as ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and heartburn. For a patient who also suffers from blood pressure problems, the relationship between omeprazole and blood pressure becomes critical. High blood pressure is considered a rare side effect of omeprazole, but the medication contains sodium, which may disrupt a sodium-conscious diet. Drug interactions between omeprazole and some high blood pressure medications should be considered, and omeprazole is sometimes used to combat some negative consequences of blood pressure medications. The effects of omeprazole on pregnancy should be weighed against the benefits of the drug as well.

Those concerned about using omeprazole and its effects on blood pressure should consider that the drug could cause high blood pressure. Hypertension is listed as one of the cardiovascular risks of Omeprazole. Of note, however, is the fact that it has been reported as a rare result of taking the medication.

What Is Omeprazole?

Omeprazole is a type of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that helps reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces. It's an over-the-counter medication you can get at most pharmacies without a prescription. 

Other common over-the-counter PPIs that have a similar effect that omeprazole has are: 

  • Lansoprazole/Prevacid
  • Zegerid (omeprazole combined with sodium bicarbonate)
  • Esomeprazole/Nexium

You might need a prescription medication for more serious GERD, ulcers, or esophagus damage. These three prescription medications treat the same conditions as omeprazole: 

  • Pantoprazole/Protonix
  • Rabeprazole/Aciphex
  • Dexlansoprazole/Dexilant

All of these omeprazole alternatives shouldn't cause high blood pressure in individuals. The side effect can still happen, but it's rare.

Other Side Effects of Taking Omeprazole

High blood pressure is a rare side effect of omeprazole.
High blood pressure is a rare side effect of omeprazole.

As we mentioned before, high blood pressure is a rare but possible side effect of taking omeprazole. While this is rare, there are other side effects you must be aware of if you must start taking this medication. More common side effects of omeprazole are: 

None of these side effects are necessarily cause for alarm, but you should speak with your doctor if these side effects persist. Vomiting and diarrhea can be dangerous due to dehydration. 

Other rare side effects can happen with this medication besides high blood pressure. These affect only one in 1,000 people who take this medication, but you need to speak with your doctor immediately if you experience: 

  • A drastic change in energy levels
  • Darker urine
  • Your skin turns a yellow hue
  • Joint pain with a red rash 
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Persistent diarrhea

If you experience the above side effects, you could be experiencing liver problems, an inflamed bowel, or a rare skin condition.

The Sodium Content of Omeprazole

An indirect effect of omeprazole on blood pressure involves drug interactions with certain medications.
An indirect effect of omeprazole on blood pressure involves drug interactions with certain medications.

One potential problem for those combining omeprazole and blood pressure issues is the sodium content of the medication. Each packet of powder contains 460 mg of sodium, and each capsule contains 304 mg of sodium. For individuals with a restricted diet due to high blood pressure, this would need to be taken into consideration.

The main reason someone might experience an increase in their blood pressure while taking omeprazole is due to the sodium content. Individuals consuming a high amount of sodium on a daily basis are at risk for high blood pressure. 

Omeprazole is rarely taken during pregnancy, as the side effects may be harmful.
Omeprazole is rarely taken during pregnancy, as the side effects may be harmful.

With a high sodium content, those taking this medication while consuming a lot of sodium are much more likely to experience high blood pressure than those who are mindful of their sodium intake. Besides high blood pressure, too much sodium can cause heart disease, stroke, calcium loss, and other cardiovascular issues. 

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the recommended sodium intake for adults is less than 2,300 milligrams per day. Considering how much sodium is in each packet or capsule of omeprazole, it takes up a significant amount of your daily sodium intake.

Because Omeprazole contains sodium, it is often contraindicated for people with hypertension.
Because Omeprazole contains sodium, it is often contraindicated for people with hypertension.

For those on a restricted diet due to high blood pressure, it will take up even more space in your diet, so you must consider this when taking the medication. The recommended sodium intake for people with high blood pressure is drastically lower, with only 1,500 milligrams per day.

Drug and Alcohol Interactions With Omeprazole

With most medications, knowing whether you can or shouldn't consume alcohol is on many people's minds. Both mild or severe drug and alcohol interactions can occur with many medications. 

For those who enjoy a nice glass of wine, cold beer, or cocktail, consuming alcohol in moderation while taking omeprazole is okay. Most people don't feel any difference when sober on omeprazole compared to when they've been drinking. 

Omeprazole may be used to treat GERD.
Omeprazole may be used to treat GERD.

If you notice that you feel extra dizzy when drinking and on this medication, you should stop and consult your doctor—something to remember when drinking is it can be harsh on your stomach. If you're taking omeprazole, you probably suffer from acid reflux, and drinking could be counterproductive to what you're trying to treat.

Even though high blood pressure is a rare side effect of taking omeprazole, when combined with heavy alcohol consumption, your blood pressure is likely to be high. Drinking alcohol in large quantities can cause high blood pressure, and the added sodium in certain drinks won't help the situation.

Drinking alcohol won't directly cause any issues while taking this medication, but some indirect problems could lead to health concerns. That doesn't mean there aren't other drugs more dangerous to take while on omeprazole or another similar PPI.

A pregnant woman with high blood pressure and heart burn may want to inquire about taking omeprazole.
A pregnant woman with high blood pressure and heart burn may want to inquire about taking omeprazole.

Some omeprazole drug interactions may also be dangerous for those with blood pressure problems. One of the side effects of omeprazole is an increase in blood level, so some blood pressure medications such as Warfarin and Clopidogrel will be rendered less effective. The need for omeprazole and the need of the blood pressure medication should be evaluated with a doctor so the omeprazole dosage can be adjusted or another medication chosen.

An indirect relationship between omeprazole and blood pressure involves some drugs prescribed to reduce blood pressure. Some of these medications include calcium channel blockers, which can have negative stomach side effects, such as vomiting. Omeprazole is sometimes used to combat stomach issues resulting from using the hypertension drugs.

Pregnant women may have both heartburn and elevated blood pressure, and may be wondering about the relationship between omeprazole and blood pressure. Data is limited regarding the effects of taking omeprazole and pregnancy, so it should only be taken when the benefits from the drug outweighs risk. Some animal studies show a direct correlation between the drug and problems with the fetus.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is omeprazole?

Omeprazole is a medication used to reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Peptic ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are two disorders that it is often used to treat. It helps alleviate symptoms like heartburn and acid reflux by preventing the creation of stomach acid. Both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) versions of omeprazole are available.

How does omeprazole affect blood pressure?

According to the prescribing information for omeprazole, there have been rare reports of increased blood pressure in patients taking the medication. However, the exact mechanism by which omeprazole may affect blood pressure is not well understood, and further research is needed to clarify this potential association.

Monitoring your blood pressure regularly is recommended while taking omeprazole, especially if you have a history of high blood pressure or other cardiovascular issues.  Can omeprazole be taken with other medications for blood pressure?

Are there any side effects of combining omeprazole and blood pressure medications?

In general, it's safe to combine omeprazole with blood pressure drugs. But, since there might be possible adverse effects, it is imperative to speak with a healthcare provider. Omeprazole with blood pressure drugs often causes headaches, nausea, and diarrhea as adverse effects. A healthcare provider should be contacted right away if any of these negative effects manifest.

How long should I take omeprazole and blood pressure medications?

The individual's circumstances will determine how long they should take their blood pressure and omeprazole drugs. In general, it is advised to take these drugs for the full amount of time that a doctor has prescribed. A medical expert may advise taking omeprazole for a few weeks or months if it is being used to treat GERD or another acid-related ailment. A medical expert can advise using blood pressure drugs for longer if you already take them. For the best outcomes, it is crucial to adhere to the doctor's directions.

Discussion Comments

anon1003331

Can taking Omeprazole and Losartan affect my blood pressure? It has spiked after taking Losartan with the Omeprazole?

anon1000008

How long have you guys have been taking Omeprazole?

Heavanet

I also take both together Talentryto, and I haven't had any problems that I'm aware of. I will also be discussing this article with my doctor, because this does concern me.

Talentryto

I appreciate this article, because I take both Omeprazole and high blood pressure medications. I was not aware of this possible drug interaction, and plan to ask my doctor his opinion. Does anyone have any experience taking both types of medication at the same time?

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    • High blood pressure is a rare side effect of omeprazole.
      By: Andrei Tsalko
      High blood pressure is a rare side effect of omeprazole.
    • An indirect effect of omeprazole on blood pressure involves drug interactions with certain medications.
      By: JJAVA
      An indirect effect of omeprazole on blood pressure involves drug interactions with certain medications.
    • Omeprazole is rarely taken during pregnancy, as the side effects may be harmful.
      By: hartphotography
      Omeprazole is rarely taken during pregnancy, as the side effects may be harmful.
    • Because Omeprazole contains sodium, it is often contraindicated for people with hypertension.
      By: Monkey Business
      Because Omeprazole contains sodium, it is often contraindicated for people with hypertension.
    • Omeprazole may be used to treat GERD.
      By: bilderzwerg
      Omeprazole may be used to treat GERD.
    • A pregnant woman with high blood pressure and heart burn may want to inquire about taking omeprazole.
      By: Nessli Orpmas
      A pregnant woman with high blood pressure and heart burn may want to inquire about taking omeprazole.