For an adult in your family, or perhaps even you, the doctor may have prescribed an aspirin, a "blood thinner," to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. However, some people also experience stomach problems like gastritis. So today we're talking about a special medicine that doctors sometimes prescribe as a solution to both of these problems.
What is this aspirin and omeprazole combination?
Simply put, this is a combination of two types of medication.
1. Aspirin: This works by preventing platelets in our blood from sticking together and forming blood clots. This reduces the risk of serious diseases caused by blood clots, such as heart attacks and strokes. Aspirin belongs to a class of drugs called NSAID (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) .
2. Omeprazole: The biggest problem that can occur when taking NSAIDs like aspirin continuously is the development of stomach ulcers. Omeprazole is a drug in the PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitor) class. This works by controlling the production of acid in the stomach. This greatly reduces the damage to the stomach lining caused by aspirin.
This means that this medicine is like killing two birds with one stone. While protecting the heart, it also protects the stomach.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before prescribing this medication, your doctor will ask you a few questions. But if you have any of these conditions, be sure to tell your doctor about them.
| Your situation | Why is it important to tell the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Bleeding disorders | Because aspirin reduces blood clotting, this can be dangerous for someone who already has bleeding problems. |
| If a child has a viral illness such as chickenpox or influenza (flu) | Giving aspirin to children during a viral infection can cause a serious condition called Reye's syndrome. |
| If you drink alcohol regularly | When alcohol and aspirin are combined, the risk of stomach bleeding increases significantly. |
| Kidney or Liver disease | These organs are responsible for removing drugs from the body. If their function is impaired, drugs can accumulate in the body and increase side effects. |
| Respiratory diseases such as asthma | For some asthma patients, aspirin may worsen symptoms. |
| Lupus disease | This is a disease of the immune system, and problems can occur with some medications. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | This medicine can be dangerous during pregnancy, especially in the last months. It can also affect the baby. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
To get the most out of this medicine, it is very important to know how to use it correctly.
- At least one hour before meals: This pill should be taken on an empty stomach . That means, take it with a glass of water at least one hour before a main meal. Do not take it with food.
- Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet: This is a delayed-release tablet. Therefore, it must be swallowed whole. Breaking or chewing it can change its effectiveness and cause stomach damage.
- Take your medicine on time: Take your medicine daily at the prescribed intervals, as prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not stop: Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have overdosed on Kelinma, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
When taking this medicine, you should also be careful about other medications you are taking. Taking it with some medications can be dangerous.
| Drug category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Don't take these with anything. | |
| Some medications for HIV/AIDS | Atazanavir, Nelfinavir |
| Other blood thinners | Clopidogrel, Ticagrelor |
| Be very careful when taking these with food (only on medical advice) | |
| Other painkillers (NSAIDs) | Ibuprofen, Naproxen |
| Other blood-thinning medications | Warfarin, Heparin |
| Some medications for diabetes | (Tell your doctor about your diabetes medications) |
| Medication for high blood pressure | ACE inhibitors, Beta blockers |
| Alcohol | The risk of stomach bleeding is greatly increased. |
Important: This list is not complete. Tell your doctor about all medications you take (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
Things to consider when taking the medicine
- Stomach bleeding: This medicine can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding without warning . If you have symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting blood, vomiting something that looks like coffee grounds, or passing black, tarry stools, see a doctor immediately.
- Severe skin reactions: Severe skin reactions can occur even weeks after starting the medication. If you experience fever, body aches, red, itchy skin, blistering, or peeling skin, tell your doctor immediately.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency: Taking this medicine (omeprazole part) for a long time may reduce the body's absorption of vitamin B12. This can cause numbness in the limbs, dizziness, and memory loss. Talk to your doctor about this.
- Pregnancy: If you are trying to get pregnant, this medicine may make it more difficult. Talk to your doctor about this.
- Be careful when brushing your teeth: There is a slightly increased risk of bleeding, so be careful when brushing and flossing your teeth. If you are having dental surgery, tell your dentist that you are taking this medication.
What are the possible side effects?
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Bleeding symptoms | Black stools, vomiting blood or coffee grounds, dark red/brown urine, red/purple spots on the skin. |
| Symptoms of liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, loss of appetite, yellowing of the eyes/skin, dark urine. |
| Symptoms of kidney injury | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, and feet. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Stomach pain | Heartburn |
| Diarrhea | Nausea |
Take-Home Message
- This is a combination of two medications: aspirin (for the heart) and omeprazole (for the stomach).
- Always take on an empty stomach, one hour before meals. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you take and any medical conditions you have.
- If you notice signs of bleeding, such as black stools, vomiting blood, or severe skin reactions, seek medical advice immediately.
- Never stop taking this medicine without your doctor's advice.
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