Omeprazole with Iron Interaction Details
Brand Names Associated with Omeprazole
- Omeprazole
- Prilosec®
- Prilosec® OTC
- Talicia (as a combination product containing Amoxicillin, Omeprazole, Rifabutin)
- Zegerid® (as a combination product containing Omeprazole, Sodium Bicarbonate)
- Zegerid® OTC (as a combination product containing Omeprazole, Sodium Bicarbonate)
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Nov 05, 2023
Interaction Effect
Reduced iron salts absorption
Interaction Summary
Omeprazole can reduce the absorption of iron salts due to its effect on reducing intragastric acidity. Omeprazole produces extensive and long-lasting inhibition of gastric acid secretion. For some drugs, including iron, absorption from the GI tract is enhanced by the presence of gastric acid. When iron was coadministered with omeprazole to 2 patients, reduced acidity appears to have compromised iron absorption, thus decreasing its bioavailability .
Severity
Moderate
Onset
Rapid
Evidence
Probable
How To Manage Interaction
Omeprazole can reduce the absorption of iron salts due to its effect on reducing intragastric acidity.
Mechanism Of Interaction
Reduced intragastric acidity
Literature Reports
A) Concurrent administration of omeprazole and supplemental iron substantially impaired the absorption of iron in patients with iron-deficiency anemia. As described in 2 case reports, women (51 and 83 years of age) diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia (arising from hemorrhagic erosive gastritis) were given omeprazole (20 milligrams daily in one patient; dose not specified in the other) concurrently with oral iron supplements. Serum hemoglobin concentrations did not improve over the next 6 months despite continuing iron treatment. Omeprazole was discontinued in both patients (one woman was evaluated and confirmed for the presence of iron malabsorption prior to discontinuing omeprazole), after which both patients experienced improvements in hemoglobin concentration and mean corpuscular volume. The authors suggest that non-heme iron absorption was significantly blunted by omeprazole-induced gastric hypochlorhydria .
Omeprazole Overview
-
Prescription omeprazole is used alone or with other medications to treat the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and possible injury of the esophagus (the tube between the throat and stomach) in adults and children 1 year of age and older. Prescription omeprazole is used to treat damage from GERD in adults and children 1 month of age and older. Prescription omeprazole is used to allow the esophagus to heal and prevent further damage to the esophagus in adults and children 1 year of age and older with GERD. Prescription omeprazole is also used to treat conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome in adults. Prescription omeprazole is also used to treat ulcers (sores in the lining of the stomach or intestine) and it is also used with other medications to treat and prevent the return of ulcers caused by a certain type of bacteria (H. pylori) in adults. Nonprescription (over-the-counter) omeprazole is used to treat frequent heartburn (heartburn that occurs at least 2 or more days a week) in adults. Omeprazole is in a class of medications called proton-pump inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach.
Return To Our Drug Interaction Homepage
Feedback, Question Or Comment About This Information?
Ask Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, our medical editor, directly! He's always more than happy to assist.
Definitions
Severity Categories
Contraindicated
These drugs, generally, should not be used together simultaneously due to the high risk of severe adverse effects. Combining these medications can lead to dangerous health outcomes and should be strictly avoided unless otherwise instructed by your provider.
Major
This interaction could result in very serious and potentially life-threatening consequences. If you are taking this drug combination, it is very important to be under close medical supervision to minimize severe side effects and ensure your safety. It may be necessary to change a medication or dosage to prevent harm.
Moderate
This interaction has the potential to worsen your medical condition or alter the effectiveness of your treatment. It's important that you are monitored closely and you potentially may need to make adjustments in your treatment plan or drug dosage to maintain optimal health.
Minor
While this interaction is unlikely to cause significant problems, it could intensify side effects or reduce the effectiveness of one or both medications. Monitoring for changes in symptoms and your condition is recommended, and adjustments may be made if needed to manage any increased or more pronounced side effects.
Onset
Rapid: Onset of drug interaction typically occurs within 24 hours of co-administration.
Delayed: Onset of drug interaction typically occurs more than 24 hours after co-administration.
Evidence
Level of documentation of the interaction.
Established: The interaction is documented and substantiated in peer-reviewed medical literature.
Theoretical: This interaction is not fully supported by current medical evidence or well-documented sources, but it is based on known drug mechanisms, drug effects, and other relevant information.
How To Manage The Interaction
Provides a detailed discussion on how patients and clinicians can approach the identified drug interaction as well as offers guidance on what to expect and strategies to potentially mitigate the effects of the interaction. This may include recommendations on adjusting medication dosages, altering the timing of drug administration, or closely monitoring for specific symptoms.
It's important to note that all medical situations are unique, and management approaches should be tailored to individual circumstances. Patients should always consult their healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance on managing drug interactions effectively.
Mechanism Of Interaction
The theorized or clinically determined reason (i.e., mechanism) why the drug-drug interaction occurs.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific circumstances and medical conditions.
Where Does Our Information Come From?
Information for our drug interactions is compiled from several drug compendia, including:
The prescribing information for each drug, as published on DailyMED, is also used.
Individual drug-drug interaction detail pages contain references specific to that interaction. You can click on the reference number within brackets '[]' to see what reference was utilized.
The information posted is fact-checked by HelloPharmacist clinicians and reviewed quarterly.