Based on PubMed | Are there any known interactions between omeprazole and coconut oil, and is it safe to use them together?

There are no well‑documented, clinically significant interactions between omeprazole and coconut oil, and for most people it is considered safe to use them together. Omeprazole’s official prescribing information lists interactions mainly with certain medicines (for example, clopidogrel and drugs affected by stomach pH or CYP2C19 metabolism), not with foods or dietary oils such as coconut oil. ^{[1] [2]} Omeprazole can change stomach acidity and CYP2C19 activity, which explains its drug–drug interactions, but coconut oil is not known to rely on these pathways in a way that would create a harmful interaction. ^{[1] [3]}

What omeprazole interacts with

• Omeprazole raises stomach pH, which can lower the absorption of medicines that need acid to dissolve (for example, ketoconazole and some antivirals). ^[1]
• It also inhibits CYP2C19 (a liver enzyme), which can raise blood levels of drugs that depend on this enzyme (for example, diazepam, phenytoin) and has a clinically important interaction with clopidogrel. ^{[1] [2]}
• These effects are well described in human labeling and reviews, and they do not include food oils like coconut oil. ^{[1] [4]}

Coconut oil and PPIs: what we know (and don’t)

• Human guidelines do not list coconut oil or other dietary fats as a contraindication or interaction with omeprazole. ^{[1] [5]}
• Omeprazole capsules are designed to be swallowed whole on an empty stomach; if they must be opened, the granules should be mixed with a soft, acidic food like applesauce and swallowed without chewing to protect the enteric coating. ^[5]
• There is no recommendation to mix omeprazole with oils, and doing so could theoretically affect the enteric coating or delay gastric emptying, so it’s best to follow the labeled administration instructions and avoid mixing the granules with oil. ^[5]

Could fat or oils change omeprazole’s effect indirectly?

• Food especially fat can slow gastric emptying in general, and taking enteric‑coated omeprazole with food tends to delay absorption and may slightly lower peak levels, which is why dosing is recommended before meals on an empty stomach. ^[6]
• Experimental and animal data show that PPIs change gastric and small‑intestinal pH and can influence fat handling in the gut, but these findings do not show a harmful interaction with dietary oils in humans. ^{[7] [6]}
• Classic pharmacology reviews emphasize that clinically meaningful omeprazole interactions are mainly with certain drugs via pH effects and CYP pathways; food oils are not highlighted as a concern. ^{[4] [8]}

Practical guidance for safe use

• Take omeprazole as directed: typically 30 to 60 minutes before a meal, swallowed whole with water. Avoid opening the capsule into coconut oil or other fats; if you must open it, use non‑hot applesauce and do not chew the granules. ^[5]
• You can consume coconut oil in your diet while on omeprazole, as there is no evidence of a harmful interaction. Keeping the omeprazole dose separated from high‑fat meals (by taking it before eating) aligns with best absorption practices. ^[6]
• Continue to watch for known omeprazole issues unrelated to coconut oil, such as reduced absorption of certain vitamins/minerals over long‑term use (for example, vitamin B12 and iron), and discuss supplementation or monitoring with your clinician if you use omeprazole chronically. ^[9]

Bottom line

• Current evidence and product information do not identify an interaction between omeprazole and coconut oil, and using them together in a normal diet appears safe. ^{[1] [2]}
• For best results, take omeprazole on an empty stomach as labeled and avoid mixing the granules with oils; keep coconut oil as part of meals rather than as the vehicle for your medication. ^{[5] [6]}