Based on NIH | Is it safe to drink green tea while taking omeprazole, and is there a recommended limit on green tea intake to avoid interactions?

Most people can safely drink green tea while taking omeprazole, and a modest daily intake is unlikely to cause a clinically meaningful interaction. Standard omeprazole instructions focus on taking the capsule before meals and do not list green tea as a specific interaction to avoid. ^[1] Known, clinically important interactions with omeprazole involve medicines like clopidogrel, methotrexate (high dose), St. John’s wort, and rifampin not green tea. ^[2]

What we know about omeprazole and beverages

• How to take omeprazole: Guidance emphasizes timing with food (before meals) and allows antacids if needed; there is no prohibition against tea. ^{[1] [2]}
• Key interactions to avoid: Clinically significant interactions include certain antibiotics with clarithromycin regimens, clopidogrel, high‑dose methotrexate, St. John’s wort, and rifampin; again, tea is not listed. ^[2]

What we know about green tea and drug metabolism

• Green tea’s components: Green tea contains caffeine and catechins (like EGCG). At usual beverage amounts, human studies show only limited drug interaction effects; stronger effects are more plausible with high‑dose green tea extracts used as supplements. In other words, a few cups per day are generally not expected to meaningfully change most drug levels, whereas concentrated supplements might. ^[3]
• Enzyme and transporter effects (context): Experimental and animal data show catechins can influence certain liver enzymes and transporters, but consistent, clinically relevant effects in humans at normal drinking amounts are uncommon. This is why routine clinical advisories typically do not restrict green tea with omeprazole. ^[3]

Practical guidance for safe use

• Moderate intake is reasonable: For most users, up to 2–3 cups of brewed green tea per day is a cautious, practical limit to minimize caffeine-related symptoms and theoretical interaction risks. This level aligns with the general principle that typical tea consumption rarely causes drug interactions in humans. ^[3]
• Avoid high‑dose supplements unless advised: Green tea extract capsules/liquids deliver much higher catechin doses than brewed tea and have a greater potential for interactions or liver side effects. If you take concentrated green tea supplements, discuss them with your clinician or pharmacist. ^[3]
• If you’re sensitive to reflux: Caffeine can aggravate heartburn in some people. While omeprazole reduces acid, caffeinated beverages may still trigger symptoms in sensitive individuals, so consider decaf green tea or limit intake if you notice heartburn flare‑ups. ^[1]

Who should be extra careful

• If you are on drugs with known omeprazole interactions: Because omeprazole itself can interact with medicines like clopidogrel, rifampin, St. John’s wort, and high‑dose methotrexate, coordinate with your prescriber on your overall regimen; this is more important than restricting green tea. Report any new medications, especially those known to interact with omeprazole. ^[2]
• If you use green tea extract: High-dose extracts deserve individualized advice, as their pharmacologic impact can be more pronounced than brewed tea. Pause and seek guidance before starting extracts. ^[3]

Bottom line

• Brewed green tea in moderate amounts (about 2–3 cups/day) is generally safe with omeprazole, and official omeprazole instructions do not list green tea as a specific interaction. ^{[1] [2]}
• The main caution is with high‑dose green tea extracts, not typical beverages, because higher catechin exposure may increase the chance of interactions. ^[3]
• If green tea worsens your heartburn due to caffeine, consider limiting or choosing decaffeinated options while on omeprazole. ^[1]