Popular heartburn drugs such as Prilosec (omeprazole) can be hard on kidneys and other systems of the body when not used judiciously.

While such drugs, called proton pump inhibitors, seem to pose little risk when taken for a brief period of time at minimal dosage, research has shown that long term use of heartburn drugs can cause serious, and even life-threatening complications and side effects.

What is Omeprazole?

Omeprazole is the generic name for an antacid medication sold under the brand names Prilosec, Zegerid, and OmePPI.

Available both as an over the counter product and by prescription, this medication is used to reduce acid production in the stomach. Omeprazole is one of several drugs of the proton pump inhibitor class that medical research indicates can be hard on kidneys.

How Does Omeprazole Work?

Omeprazole and other medications of the proton pump inhibitor class operate by disabling the cellular mechanism (known as the “proton pump”) responsible for the biochemical reaction that activates digestive juices, causing the stomach to acidify.

Why is Omeprazole Prescribed?

Omeprazole is indicated for the treatment of gastric ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), erosive esophagitis (Barrett’s esophagus) and excess acid, as well as a specific stomach infection caused by helicobacter pylori bacteria, according to WebMD.

How is Omeprazole Hard on Kidneys?

A study published in the journal Kidney International in February of 2017 found an association between long-term use of omeprazole and gradual decline in kidney function. An analysis of approximately 125,000 patient records reportedly found that over 50 percent of patients who developed kidney disease while taking omeprazole had no previous history of kidney problems before starting the medication.

Specific kidney problems that have been attributed to long-term omeprazole use include kidney inflammation (interstitial nephritis) and kidney stones.

The researchers did not determine why this may be happening, but advised physicians who prescribe proton pump inhibitors to monitor their patients carefully.

Are There Other Omeprazole Side Effects?

Aside from being hard on kidneys, omeprazole and other proton pump inhibitors have been linked to numerous other serious side effects. These reportedly include:

• increased risk of stroke
• accelerated aging
• dementia
• ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen)pneumonia in elderly patients
• osteoporosis

Are There Alternatives to Proton Pump Inhibitors?

There is a different class of acid-reducing medications known as H2 receptor antagonists, or simply H2 blockers. These medications are less powerful than proton pump inhibitors but have fewer harmful long-term side effects.

If you are concerned about omeprazole and its potential to be hard on kidneys, you should ask your doctor about H2 blockers.

Omeprazole is also used for conditions that may be more effectively treated with lifestyle modifications, change of diet and weight loss. Tobacco use has also been linked to stomach acid-related conditions.

If your doctor determines that omeprazole is the most effective treatment for your condition, be aware that it should be taken at the lowest possible dose for the least amount of time – generally, no more than 3 to 8 weeks at a time.