Question: I have been taking omeprazole (20mg a day) for about six years and my blood sugar count has risen to around 109 to 118. Does taking an acid blocker increase the blood sugar count? Are there any other side effects from taking this medication?
Dr. Hibberd's answer:
Omeprazole (Prilosec) is a proton pump inhibitor used to suppress gastric acid for various gastrointestinal conditions such as GERD, peptic ulcer disease, H. Pylori eradication, hypersecretory conditions, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, or pancreatic disease. This medication does not usually affect your blood glucose, but a recent FDA advisory suggests that magnesium levels may be depleted, especially in those with a history of magnesium deficiency.
Tell your doctor if you have liver disease or if you use other medications such as Coumadin, Plavix, Prograf, Dilantin, Lanoxin, Antabuse, diuretics, antibiotics (such as ampicillin), antifungal, or HIV medications since the doses may need adjustment when using omeprazole.
Some medications should not be mixed with omeprazole, so even though it is available in low strength without prescription, be aware that serious side effects are documented when mixed with certain other medications that are available only by prescription. So, be sure to keep your doctor updated with all the medications you use. Periodic monitoring may be advised when using this and similar drugs, especially when used with other prescription medications.
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