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Omeprazole in pregnancy
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Omeprazole can be used during pregnancy; pregnancy is not a contraindication, but it is prescribed only for vital indications.
Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor. It accelerates the healing of gastric ulcers. It is activated in the acidic environment of the stomach, which is why it is released in capsule form. The effect of the drug lasts 24 hours after administration. Omeprazole metabolites are excreted by the kidneys. This is another reason why the use of omeprazole is limited during pregnancy, because during this period the load on the kidneys doubles.
[ Indications for use
Omeprazole during pregnancy is indicated for patients with gastritis, reflux esophagitis, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, including stress and peptic ulcer caused by Helicobacter pylori, as an additional therapy for heartburn and belching in chronic pancreatitis. Pain in the epigastrium, severe heartburn, vomiting are indications for taking omeprazole. Do not forget that similar symptoms occur in pregnant women with toxicosis, so you cannot do without high-quality diagnostics.
Is it possible to take omeprazole during pregnancy?
Omeprazole is prescribed during pregnancy when the risk to the mother outweighs the possible harm to the fetus. It is not prescribed in the first trimester. This medicine belongs to category C of danger to the child. If you are breastfeeding, you should stop breastfeeding while taking Omeprazole, as it penetrates into breast milk.
How to use omeprazole during pregnancy?
Omeprazole can be taken during pregnancy only under the supervision of a doctor. Omeprazole is taken 1 hour before meals. The tablets should not be crushed, but swallowed whole so that they do not irritate the gastric mucosa. Wash down the tablets with a small amount of water. For gastritis and stomach ulcers, take 20 mg of the drug once a day.
Contraindications for use
Omeprazole is not prescribed during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. Other medications are used to relieve heartburn in pregnant women. It is not prescribed in the first weeks of pregnancy; studies of the effect of omeprazole on the fetus showed that taking it in the early stages of pregnancy increases the risk of congenital heart disease in the child. It penetrates into breast milk; taking the drug is incompatible with breastfeeding. The drug is not prescribed in case of individual hypersensitivity to its components.
Side effects
The most common side effects associated with the use of omeprazole during pregnancy include diarrhea, atrophic gastritis, anxiety, restlessness, proteinuria, and chest pain.
Price
The cost of Omeprazole during pregnancy in Kyiv pharmacies is 5 - 15 UAH for 10 capsules.
During pregnancy, omeprazole is not the first choice drug. Doctors prefer Maalox and Almagel, as safer, not entering the systemic bloodstream, but acting locally.
Of course, it often happens that during pregnancy the expectant mother's existing chronic diseases are exacerbated. Omeprazole is prescribed to pregnant women when other treatment methods have proven ineffective. Omeprazole is safe during pregnancy only when prescribed strictly according to indications by a therapist under the supervision of a gynecologist.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Omeprazole in pregnancy" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.