Patient/caregiver was educated on the precautions to be observed while taking omeprazole as follows:

  1. Prolonged omeprazole use can result in compromised absorption of vitamin B12, vitamin C, and iron in the stomach. This can result in anemia with pale skin and mucus membranes with exacerbation of shortness of breath. Periodical labs and administration of supplements can help early diagnosis and resolve symptoms of anemia. Space out the supplement administration with omeprazole by atleast 2 hours, to avoid the risk of poor supplement absorption with omeprazole.
  2. Prolonged omeprazole use can result in compromised absorption of magnesium, leading to hypomagnesemia. Low magnesium levels in the blood can result in arrhythmias, episodes of dizziness, confusion, tremors, and muscle cramps in the extremities. Patients can also manifest with episodes of seizures due to low magnesium levels in the blood. Report any of these findings to the physician immediately, to prevent any life-threatening arrhythmias and further seizure episodes. Periodical labs, administration of magnesium supplements can help early diagnosis and resolve symptoms of low magnesium levels in the blood. Space out the supplement administration with omeprazole by atleast 2 hours, to avoid the risk of poor supplement absorption with omeprazole.
  3. Prolonged omeprazole use can result in compromised absorption of calcium, leading to reduced bone mineralization and bone density, thus increasing the risk for pathological fractures of skeleton and osteoporosis. The risk for osteoporosis is very high in senior citizens. Report any falls and accidents to the physician immediately. Any unresolving skeletal pain should be reported, to be evaluated for a possible pathological fracture. Periodical labs and bone scans with administration of calcium supplements, can help early diagnosis of osteoporosis and prevent bone demineralization and fractures. Space out the supplement administration with omeprazole by atleast 2 hours, to avoid the risk of poor supplement absorption with omeprazole.