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Does Omeprazole Cause Dark Colored Stools?

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Posted on Mon, 22 May 2017
Question: I was prescribed Omeprazole ( 40 mg ) once per day gastritis . After I started taking it I have noticed that my stools are very dark. Can omeprazole be the cause of this.
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
not a known side effect

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

This medication is not known to have this side effect. It can occur with pepto bismol or iron supplements but it is not known to be a side effect of omeprazole.

If you are not currently using pepto bismol or iron supplements then it may indicate, that though there was no bleeding when you were seen before, there may be a small amount at the moment and you may need to be re evaluated especially with a history of severe abdominal pain

Normally a diagnosis of bleeding or not bleeding is based on the appearance of the stool or blood in the vomit.
You may have reported to the attending doctor that your stools were normal at the time, but with this change in color, the final diagnosis of ulcer with no blood or acute gastritis with no bleeding would need to be modified.

Imaging by endoscopy may be needed

I hope this helps , feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Does Omeprazole Cause Dark Colored Stools?

Brief Answer: not a known side effect Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic This medication is not known to have this side effect. It can occur with pepto bismol or iron supplements but it is not known to be a side effect of omeprazole. If you are not currently using pepto bismol or iron supplements then it may indicate, that though there was no bleeding when you were seen before, there may be a small amount at the moment and you may need to be re evaluated especially with a history of severe abdominal pain Normally a diagnosis of bleeding or not bleeding is based on the appearance of the stool or blood in the vomit. You may have reported to the attending doctor that your stools were normal at the time, but with this change in color, the final diagnosis of ulcer with no blood or acute gastritis with no bleeding would need to be modified. Imaging by endoscopy may be needed I hope this helps , feel free to ask any other questions