If you suffer from certain stomach issues your doctor may have you take a medication called omeprazole. This medication is quite common and is taken by lots of people. It is also taken by lots of coffee drinkers out there. One of the biggest questions these coffee drinkers have is can you drink coffee after taking omeprazole? The answer to that question is yes, but only after you’ve waited at least 30 minutes to an hour. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor!
For those who deal with acid reflux, GERD, and other stomach ailments omeprazole helps control, we’ll take a look at this medication and why you shouldn’t ingest caffeine so quickly after taking it. Hopefully, this will help you determine when to take your medication and also when you can sit back and enjoy your morning cup of coffee.
What Is Omeprazole?
Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that is available both by prescription and over-the-counter. It is used to treat stomach ailments such as GERD, chronic gastritis, stomach ulcers, acid reflux, and issues with the esophagus. Omeprazole works by decreasing the amount of acid in your stomach. You’ll notice that it can help with symptoms like heartburn, coughing, and difficulty swallowing.
Omeprazole, both the prescribed and store-bought version, can take a few days to be effective. This is why it is best to take this medication at the same time each day to keep it effective and fight the symptoms that can leave you feeling under the weather.
Where Coffee Comes Into Play
Like with any medication, omeprazole has a few side effects. One of these side effects is a lowering of your body’s ability to absorb caffeine. Now, you may think that’s a good thing and you can drink all the coffee you want, but that’s not the case. As it turns out, many people feel that coffee, and other caffeinated products, can make gastritis, GERD, and other stomach issues worse. More studies are being done on this subject to help people with these types of issues learn more about what is safe for them to consume.
For people who suffer from stomach ailments and drink coffee, you must pay close attention to your circumstances. If you feel your symptoms increase when coffee is added, it may be best if you avoid coffee altogether or try decaf to see if it’s easier to drink.
Still Want a Cup?
As we mentioned earlier, it is possible to enjoy coffee while taking omeprazole. If coffee doesn’t make your health issues worse, you can give yourself 30 minutes to an hour after taking your medication before you enjoy a cup of coffee. This time frame is thanks to omeprazole taking at least 30 minutes to begin working. If you can do without your coffee for the full hour after taking your medication, you’ll give it more time to take effect and help you avoid any pain and aggravation.
Final Thoughts
One of the most important things you must remember when taking any medication is to consult your doctor about any reactions and side effects. This will keep you feeling better without concerns for your safety. But, if you take omeprazole and simply must have your coffee, you should be alright. Make sure, however, that you wait at least 30 minutes to an hour before drinking a cup. This will avoid interactions and adverse issues with your stomach.
Featured Image Credit: Ketut Subiyanto, Pexels
