From the Guidelines
If a child has overdosed on omeprazole, seek immediate medical attention by calling poison control or going to the emergency room, as prompt evaluation and supportive treatment are crucial to manage symptoms and prevent potential complications. Omeprazole overdose in children is generally not life-threatening but requires proper evaluation [ 1 ]. Symptoms may include headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and drowsiness. There is no specific antidote for omeprazole overdose; treatment is supportive and focuses on managing symptoms. Healthcare providers will monitor vital signs and may perform gastric lavage if the ingestion was recent. Activated charcoal might be administered to reduce absorption.
- Key considerations in managing omeprazole overdose in children include:
- Monitoring for signs of respiratory depression or other severe symptoms
- Managing gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting
- Preventing further absorption of the drug
- Providing supportive care to ensure the child's comfort and safety Omeprazole works by blocking acid production in the stomach by inhibiting the proton pump, and even at higher doses, serious toxicity is uncommon [ 1 ]. However, medical professionals need to assess each case individually as children may respond differently than adults. Always store medications out of children's reach and in child-resistant containers to prevent accidental ingestion.
From the FDA Drug Label
If you take too much omeprazole delayed-release capsules, call your doctor or your poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 right away or go to the nearest emergency room.
If a pediatric patient overdoses on omeprazole, call the doctor or poison control center immediately. The patient may need to go to the nearest emergency room.
- The FDA label does not provide specific dosage recommendations or treatment guidelines for pediatric overdose.
- It is essential to seek medical attention right away in case of an overdose 2.
From the Research
Omeprazole Pediatric Overdose
- There is limited information available on omeprazole overdose in pediatric patients.
- A study from 1993 3 reported two cases of omeprazole overdose, with symptoms including flushing, tachycardia, and headache, but the pharmacokinetics of omeprazole remained unchanged.
- Another study from 2000 4 investigated the use of omeprazole in children with chronic erosive esophagitis, finding that omeprazole is well-tolerated, highly effective, and safe for treatment of erosive esophagitis and symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux in children.
- However, this study did not specifically address overdose cases.
- A more recent study from 2024 5 evaluated the efficacy and safety of continuous IV omeprazole infusion in children with gastrointestinal bleeding, but did not provide information on overdose.
Treatment and Management
- In cases of overdose, treatment is typically focused on managing symptoms and supporting the patient's overall health.
- Activated charcoal may be administered to help absorb the drug and reduce its absorption into the bloodstream 6, 7.
- However, the use of activated charcoal in pediatric patients may be associated with adverse effects such as vomiting, especially in patients with previous vomiting or those who receive nasogastric tube administration 7.
Important Considerations
- The lack of specific information on omeprazole overdose in pediatric patients highlights the need for further research in this area.
- Healthcare professionals should exercise caution when administering omeprazole to pediatric patients and closely monitor them for any signs of overdose or adverse effects.
- In the event of an overdose, prompt medical attention is essential to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.