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Suggest Alternative Medication For Omeprazole Taken For GERD
Question: I am concerned about my longterm use of omeprazole for my laryngital GERD. I get upper respiratory infections if I come of of it, but no real problems with heartburn. What if any other options do i have besides taking these acid inhibitor meds. thanks
Brief Answer:
PPIs are safe medications for long term use.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Omeprazole is a safe drug for long term use. There is a rebound increase in acid reflux seen with stoppage of omeprazole along with selective bacterial growth in the gut which probably explains your increase in URTI (Upper Respiratory Tract Infection) when you stop the medication.
2. There is an individual preference in this class of drugs (Proton pump inhibitors - PPIs). You can take a trial with rabeprazole and a prokinetic (such as levosulpiride or cinitapride).
3. Take the first dose of the PPI on an empty stomach half an hour before breakfast. This may help avoid a second dose.
4. Rule out h. pylori infection and a hiatus (sliding) hernia.
5. PPIs can be supplemented for a short term with H2 blockers (such as ranitidine, famotidine). Effervescent ranitidine can be useful. Mucaine Gel and Gaviscon suspensions help in the sort term.
6. Lifestyle changes are advised to reduce acid reflux, such as eating at least two to four hours before lying down, raising the head end of the bed by 4-6 inches, eating smaller meals on time, avoiding foodstuff that aggravates acidity, avoiding tight clothing, regular exercise and weight reduction, avoiding exposure to tobacco and alcohol, adequate fluids (hydration) and so on.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
PPIs are safe medications for long term use.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Omeprazole is a safe drug for long term use. There is a rebound increase in acid reflux seen with stoppage of omeprazole along with selective bacterial growth in the gut which probably explains your increase in URTI (Upper Respiratory Tract Infection) when you stop the medication.
2. There is an individual preference in this class of drugs (Proton pump inhibitors - PPIs). You can take a trial with rabeprazole and a prokinetic (such as levosulpiride or cinitapride).
3. Take the first dose of the PPI on an empty stomach half an hour before breakfast. This may help avoid a second dose.
4. Rule out h. pylori infection and a hiatus (sliding) hernia.
5. PPIs can be supplemented for a short term with H2 blockers (such as ranitidine, famotidine). Effervescent ranitidine can be useful. Mucaine Gel and Gaviscon suspensions help in the sort term.
6. Lifestyle changes are advised to reduce acid reflux, such as eating at least two to four hours before lying down, raising the head end of the bed by 4-6 inches, eating smaller meals on time, avoiding foodstuff that aggravates acidity, avoiding tight clothing, regular exercise and weight reduction, avoiding exposure to tobacco and alcohol, adequate fluids (hydration) and so on.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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