Questions in the Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Forum have been answered by Dr. Kevin Pho who is board certified in Internal Medicine and by doctors from Henry Ford Health System.

Question Title: Prilosec and stomach pain

Forum: The Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Forum
Topic: Reflux Esophagitis


I have been taking Zantac for the last six years since I was diagnosed with reflux esophagitis ( by scope). My gastro Dr.
recently switched me to Prilosec because the Zantac was never 100% effective. The reflux would cycle during the day with the dose.(150mg 2x day). Since starting the Prilosec, I have been having upper abdominal pain originating below where I would expect the end of my esophagus would be. (It is always a pressure sensitive area anyway, kids jumping on me, ect.)The pain radiates around the top of my stomach to the center and feels like someone is constantly pushing into the top part of my stomach with their fingers. It is uncomfortable to say the least.
Could this pain be a side effect of the prilosec. I have been on it for 6 weeks, the pain started 4 weeks ago and has gotten worse.Last year I had similar pain when I was taking Claritin-D for seasonal allergies. The GP switched me to Zyrtec and that solved the problem. I reluctantly went back to Zantac 4 days ago
(the Prilosec works great)but still have the pain. Do you think it may be a side effect and would it ever go away on its own. My
reflux symptoms went completely away during this period but its not worth it if this is in fact a side effect. (I'd rather have the heartburn) If this is a sensitivity to certain types of medication, can it be resolved somehow. It seems that when I do get some relief (Claritin, Prilosec) it turns out too good to be true. Thanks in advance for your opinion.

___
Dear Walter,
I have not heard patients describe a pain like yours in response to Prilosec, although I do recognize the possibility that you may be having an idiosyncratic reaction. Ask your doctor if you can try the other proton pump inhibitor. Prevacid. This medication should be as effective as prilosec in preventing the symptoms of esophageal reflux and may not cause the abdominal pains that you associate with the prilosec.

This information is presented for educational purposes. Always consult your personal physician for specific medical questions.

HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: esophageal reflux, prilosec, prevacid
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