Prilosec and Dry Mouth
A dry mouth is one of the rare side effects of Prilosec, occurring in less than 1 percent of people taking the medication. If you are taking Prilosec and dry mouth occurs, you can try to sip water often and avoid alcohol, tobacco, and caffeinated beverages, among other things. If these suggestions do not help, your healthcare provider may recommend other treatment options, such as artificial saliva or other medications.
Prilosec and Dry Mouth: An Overview
A dry mouth is a rare side effect of
Prilosec® (
omeprazole). In clinical studies, less than 1 percent of people reported a dry mouth as one of Prilosec's side effects.
Prilosec and Dry Mouth: Suggestions
For people taking Prilosec, there are some things that you can do to help with a dry mouth. Some of these suggestions include:
- Sipping water or sugarless drinks often.
- Sipping water or sugarless drinks during meals. This will make chewing and swallowing easier; it may also improve the taste of food.
- Avoiding drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and some sodas. Caffeine can dry out the mouth.
- Avoiding tobacco or alcohol. They can dry out the mouth.
- Using a humidifier at night.
- Being aware of spicy or salty foods because they may cause pain in a dry mouth.
- Chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugarless hard candy to stimulate saliva flow; cinnamon- or mint-flavored candies are good choices.
Prilosec and Dry Mouth: Summary
If you develop a dry mouth while taking Prilosec and the suggestions above do not help, make sure to talk with your healthcare provider.
There is treatment that he or she may be able to recommend, such as artificial saliva. Also, depending on the severity of your dry mouth, he or she may also recommend that you adjust your
Prilosec dosage or try another medicine.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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