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Drug Info The Mix-Up

Can you drink alcohol while taking omeprazole?

The simple answer is yes, though it will likely worsen your heartburn symptoms
Gerardo Sison medical writer headshot
By | Sep. 20, 2024
can of alcohol next to a bottle - omeprazole and alcohol

Key takeaways

  • Drinking alcohol while taking omeprazole can worsen acid reflux and counteract the medication’s effects.

  • Alcohol increases stomach acid and relaxes the esophageal muscle, which may trigger heartburn.

  • Different alcoholic beverages may affect reflux differently; whiskey and gin might cause less reflux than beer or wine.

  • It’s best to avoid alcohol on omeprazole, but consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

In this article:

If you get heartburn after eating some of your favorite foods—like fried chicken or pasta—omeprazole can be a lifesaver, helping prevent painful symptoms. But what if you want to have a beer or a glass of wine along with your meal? Can you safely mix omeprazole and alcohol? The short answer is yes; there is no interaction between the two.

However, most healthcare providers recommend against drinking while taking this medication—also known by its brand names Prilosec and Zegerid. Why? Alcohol worsens the symptoms that omeprazole is meant to treat, making it less effective at reducing reflux symptoms.

What is omeprazole used for?

Omeprazole treats several conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), erosive esophagitis, stomach ulcers, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and Helicobacter pylori infections alongside antibiotics. It belongs to a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which decrease gastric acid in the stomach.

The over-the-counter (OTC) version is for short-term relief of heartburn (up to 14 days). When prescribed, it’s safe for long-term use.

Can you drink alcohol with omeprazole?

Alcohol doesn’t directly interfere with how omeprazole works. This means that drinking alcohol in moderation is safe for most—as long as you stick to one drink a day for women and two for men.

Keep in mind that alcohol can increase stomach acid production, which may counteract the benefits of omeprazole—leading to increased heartburn or acid reflux. Alcohol can also directly relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is a muscle that prevents stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. When it’s relaxed, acid can easily escape, leading to conditions like GERD. One study found that regular drinkers are 48% more likely to develop GERD. That’s why most providers suggest taking a break from alcohol if you need this medication.

If you’re unsure about drinking alcohol while on omeprazole, consult a healthcare provider for medical advice.

The risks of omeprazole and alcohol image

Does the type of alcohol matter?

Different types of alcohol may have varying effects on heartburn based on their acidity levels. Research suggests that beverages with high alcohol content, such as whiskey and gin, may cause less acid production. On the other hand, beer and wine, especially white wine, may be more likely to increase acid production and trigger acid reflux. 

Acid reflux triggers can vary from person to person. Some alcoholic beverages contain carbonation, caffeine, or excess sugar—all of which may trigger your heartburn symptoms. On top of that, drinking often goes hand in hand with eating fatty or spicy foods (think French fries and pizza), which can also contribute to acid reflux.

When choosing to drink, be aware of these effects and make mindful decisions to manage your heartburn risk.

Side effects of omeprazole and alcohol

Drinking alcohol with omeprazole may lead to decreased efficacy and increased side effects of the medication. Common side effects of omeprazole that may be worsened with alcohol include:

  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Gas

People who drink alcohol while on omeprazole may also experience increased dizziness and drowsiness.

Serious side effects may involve kidney problems, bone loss (osteoporosis), low magnesium levels, and vitamin B12 deficiency, particularly with long-term use of omeprazole. Long-term alcohol use may also worsen these issues, potentially leading to more severe complications.

Effects of alcohol on the liver

Both omeprazole and alcohol can affect liver health. Although rare, PPIs like omeprazole may cause mild, asymptomatic increases in liver enzymes. This means that the liver enzymes, which help break down substances, increase slightly without showing symptoms. Acute liver failure from omeprazole has been reported in rare cases.

Studies suggest that blocking stomach acid with medications like PPIs could lead to an imbalance of gut flora. High levels of Enterococcus bacteria can infiltrate the liver, potentially leading to liver inflammation and worsening liver disease.

Combining alcohol with omeprazole may lead to increased stress on the liver. The liver processes alcohol which can lead to liver disease if consumed excessively. Therefore, individuals at risk or with existing liver disease generally need to limit their alcohol consumption to reduce liver damage.

Can you drink on any heartburn medication?

Drinking alcohol on other heartburn medications, including antacids, has similar adverse effects. That means alcohol can increase side effects and undermine the efficacy of all of these common medications:

  • Prevacid (lansoprazole)
  • Nexium (esomeprazole)
  • Protonix (pantoprazole)
  • Tums (calcium carbonate)
  • Rolaids (calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide)
  • Maalox (aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide)
  • Gaviscon (aluminum hydroxide/magnesium carbonate)

What else can interact with omeprazole?

In addition to alcohol, certain medications and supplements may cause increased adverse effects when taken with omeprazole, such as:

  • Blood thinners: Omeprazole may interfere with blood thinners like Plavix (clopidogrel) and warfarin, affecting their effectiveness.
  • Antiretrovirals: The effect of PPIs on antiretroviral drugs varies. Some, like Edurant (rilpivirine), Reyataz (atazanavir), and Viracept (nelfinavir), can be less effective with omeprazole, potentially leading to drug resistance. Others, like Invirase (saquinavir), may have increased toxicity.
  • St. John’s wort: This herbal supplement may decrease the effectiveness of omeprazole.

These are just some of the possible drug interactions involving omeprazole. Tell your healthcare provider about other medications you take, including prescription drugs, OTC medicines, and herbal supplements, before starting omeprazole.

The bottom line

Though you may be able to drink alcohol while taking omeprazole without any major health risks, it may worsen heartburn and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Alcohol increases stomach acid and relaxes the muscle that keeps acid in the stomach, which may negate the benefits of omeprazole. 

If you choose to drink while on omeprazole, whiskey and gin may cause less acid reflux than beer or wine. However, the effects of alcohol while having acid reflux and taking omeprazole vary by person. Always check with a healthcare provider before drinking alcohol on this medication.