Exact answer: After 30 minutes to 1 hour
Talk to your doctor before using naproxen just after omeprazole. Taking both medications together can make naproxen less effective. It is important to mention other medications that you take to your physician, including vitamins and herbs. Do not quit using any medications or continue any other medications without talking to your doctor.
In the UK, this drug called Naproxen and Omeprazole is very commonly prescribed. These drugs are used for different medical conditions. But sometimes by coincidence, many patients who are prescribed naproxen are prescribed omeprazole at the same time. There are different reasons Why are Naproxen and Omeprazole are prescribed together.
How Long After Taking Omeprazole Can I Take Naproxen?
| Effect of omeprazol lasts for | 1 hr |
| Effect of naproxen lasts for | 2 hrs |
Naproxen belongs to the group of drugs which is most commonly known as NSAIDs. NSAIDs are most commonly used as pain relievers. Other common drugs that belong to group NSAIDs include Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Celecoxib, Etoricoxib, Indomethacin, etc.
NSAIDs stop the production of prostaglandins, which is a chemical is produced during symptoms like inflammation and pain. prostaglandins are a group of lipids that plays many other roles in the human body. Prostaglandins are produced to increase the response to injury or infection to control the inflammation and blood flow.NSAIDs act to reduce the production of prostaglandins as a result of which the pain and inflammation also reduce.
Naproxen is prescribed in many such conditions of Pain and inflammation of musculoskeletal nature, Dysmenorrhoea (painful period pains), Onset of gout, Management of migraines. Omeprazole belongs to the set of medications and drugs most popularly known as PPIs. PPIs are commonly used to reduce the excess amount of acid that your stomach produces. This medication is mainly used in the treatment of problems caused due to gastric and acid release. It is also prescribed in other conditions like treatment and prevention of gastric and duodenal ulcers, to the patients who take NSAIDs continuously.
It is also mentioned by doctors who have a history of NSAID-associated duodenal, gastric ulcers or gastric lesions, or symptoms of dyspepsia. Those who have Zollinger–Ellison syndrome are also taking Omeprazole along with their other medication. For the treatment of bacterial infection by Helicobacter pylori, Omeprazole is prescribed together with a combination of two antibiotics. It is found to be one of the most commonly used drugs in the UK.
Why Can I Take Naproxen So Long After Taking Omeprazole?
Prolonged treatment with NSAIDs, such as Naproxen, could result in some symptoms of side effects when taken in excess. The side effects which are noticed most commonly on excessive usage of Naproxen are Peptic ulcers, GI bleeding or perforation (a hole), Heartburn, dyspepsia, abdominal discomfort.
As prostaglandins have many roles in the body mainly at the site of injury. Some prostaglandins play a role of protection as they present in the lining of the stomach to inhibit acid secretion and stimulate mucus production. Therefore, those who take Naproxen for a prolonged duration stops the production of prostaglandins, and those patients are at higher risk of gastrointestinal complications. Gastrointestinal complications such as GI bleeding, heartburn, and ulcers are more probable by taking naproxen for a prolonged period.
To minimize the stomach acid secretions and at the same time to minimize the risk of possible side effects Proton Pump Inhibitors or omeprazole, are prescribed.
Talk to your doctor before taking naproxen together with omeprazole if needed. Using these medications together may cause some kind of impact on the enteric coating of naproxen. Due to which this medication is released too early in the body. This makes the naproxen less effective than before. Reminding your doctor about previously used medication plays a very role during prescription for your recent disease.
It was found by research that naproxen reduced 75 percent of bladder cancer in rats. The rats who received naproxen or naproxen and omeprazole both developed cancer but at low rates. But when all rats are given only omeprazole alone developed bladder cancer. This means omeprazole itself has no role in developing cancer and they even don’t interfere with naproxen at prevention of tumors.
Conclusion
Naproxen is prescribed sometimes as immediate-release tablets. Naproxen tablets are most likely to be prescribed as gastro-resistant (enteric-coated) tablets. Naproxen gastro-resistant drugs are designed in such a way so that they would not break down in the stomach and thus minimizes the risk of side effects. As there are limited studies done till now showing the advantages of Naproxen gastro-resistant tablets over immediate-release tablets.
Generally, doctors don’t prescribe both Naproxen and Omeprazole together to all patients. This is prescribed to a certain group of people who has to take Omeprazole treatment when Naproxen is prescribed to reduce the related risk factors.