Omeprazole and Eslicarbazepine Acetate: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · AI content regenerated Jul 11, 2026 · Source data updated Jul 2, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Eslicarbazepine Acetate
Omeprazole
How we grade severity & evidence
Severity levels
- Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
- Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
- Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
- Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.
Evidence grades
- Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
- Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
- Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
- Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
- Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.
You're taking Aptiom (eslicarbazepine) along with omeprazole (Prilosec), a common stomach acid medicine. Aptiom can slow down one of the liver enzymes (called CYP2C19) that helps break down omeprazole. When that happens, the level of omeprazole in your body may go up a bit.
In plain terms, there could be more omeprazole around than expected. This is based on how the drugs work in theory, not on strong real-world proof, so there's no need to worry. Please don't stop or change either medicine on your own. Just let your pharmacist or doctor know you take both, and they can keep an eye on you and adjust things if needed.
Effect: Eslicarbazepine acetate is a CYP2C19 inhibitor; coadministration may increase exposure (AUC/Cmax) of CYP2C19 substrates such as omeprazole, which is partly metabolized by CYP2C19.
- Direction: Increased omeprazole exposure (inhibition of clearance). Omeprazole is active as given, so higher levels mean stronger/prolonged acid suppression, not loss of effect.
- Onset: Unspecified.
- Evidence: Theoretical; magnitude not quantified.
- Management: Use caution and monitor for exaggerated or prolonged omeprazole effects. Dose may be individualized by the care team if clinically warranted.
What happens
Increased exposure of CYP2C19 substrates
Interaction Deep Dive
When eslicarbazepine acetate, which inhibits CYP2C19, is given at the same time as a substrate of CYP2C19, exposure to that substrate may rise1. Should the two be used together, exercise caution and keep the patient under close monitoring.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Inhibition of CYP2C19-mediated metabolism by eslicarbazepine acetate
How to manage this interaction
The good news is this is manageable and mostly a theoretical concern. Here's what typically helps:
- Keep taking both exactly as prescribed unless your prescriber tells you otherwise.
- Your care team may monitor you more closely for stronger or longer-lasting omeprazole effects.
- Your omeprazole dose may be adjusted and individualized by your team if needed.
Let your pharmacist or doctor know you take both, and mention any new or unusual symptoms so they can tailor your treatment.
Management is individual — confirm any change with your pharmacist or prescriber.
Common questions
Can I take Omeprazole and Eslicarbazepine Acetate together?
Aptiom may raise omeprazole levels by slowing its breakdown, so keep taking both as prescribed and let your care team monitor you and adjust the dose if needed. Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Omeprazole and Eslicarbazepine Acetate interaction?
It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.
How is the Omeprazole and Eslicarbazepine Acetate interaction managed?
The good news is this is manageable and mostly a theoretical concern. Here's what typically helps: Keep taking both exactly as prescribed unless your prescriber tells you otherwise. Your care team may monitor you more closely for stronger or longer-lasting omeprazole effects. Your omeprazole dose may be adjusted and individualized by your team if needed. Let your pharmacist or doctor know you take… Management is individual — always follow your own care team's guidance.
How strong is the evidence for this interaction?
The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
From our Q&A
Real reader questions about these medications, each personally answered by our pharmacist:
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Omeprazole or Eslicarbazepine Acetate need adjusting while I take them together?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
- Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
- Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?
References (1)
- Product Information: APTIOM(R) oral tablets, eslicarbazepine acetate oral tablets. Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc (per manufacturer), Marlborough, MA, 2017. DailyMed
Keep reading about Eslicarbazepine Acetate
Keep reading about Omeprazole
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