Dr Punam Krishan, an NHS GP and resident doctor on BBC's Morning Live, has issued a warning to people taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole for acid reflux. Speaking on the programme, she emphasised that these medications should not be used unnecessarily or for extended periods without regular medical reviews.
PPIs like omeprazole and lansoprazole have transformed the treatment of acid reflux by reducing acid production at its source. However, Dr Krishan explained that long-term use can increase the risk of low magnesium, low vitamin B12, and gut infections, particularly Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). This bacterium, naturally present in the bowel, can overgrow due to PPI use, leading to persistent diarrhoea, which she described as a red flag.
Dr Krishan advised patients to seek regular reviews with their GP to ensure the medication is still necessary. For those buying omeprazole over the counter, it should not be taken for longer than two weeks without consulting a doctor. She stressed that GP oversight is crucial to avoid unnecessary prolonged use.
