Based on NIH | Does eating honey increase the risk of side effects when taking omeprazole?

Most people can eat honey while taking omeprazole without increasing the risk of side effects. There is no documented food–drug interaction between honey and omeprazole in official prescribing information, and honey is not listed among substances that alter omeprazole’s safety profile. ^[1] Known omeprazole interactions focus on certain prescription drugs (for example, some HIV protease inhibitors, clopidogrel, methotrexate) and acid‑dependent medications, not foods like honey. ^{[2] [3]} Patient information for omeprazole consistently advises discussing other medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, but does not flag honey as a concern. ^{[4] [5]}

What the official guidance says

• Food effects: Omeprazole delayed‑release capsules can be taken before a meal (usually 30–60 minutes prior), and certain soft foods like applesauce are sometimes used to help swallow the granules; a small reduction in peak levels was observed with applesauce at a 20 mg dose, but overall exposure did not meaningfully change. This type of observation has not been reported for honey, and the clinical relevance of the applesauce effect was considered unknown. ^[6]
• Drug–drug interactions: Omeprazole may interact with specific drugs (e.g., antiretrovirals such as atazanavir or nelfinavir, clopidogrel, methotrexate, and others), and with agents that induce or inhibit CYP enzymes or alter gastric pH‑dependent absorption of other drugs. These recognized interactions do not include honey. ^{[2] [3] [7]}
• General advice: Medication guides emphasize telling your clinician about all medicines, vitamins, and herbals. They do not identify honey as a substance that changes omeprazole’s effect or safety. ^{[4] [5]}

What evidence says about honey and the stomach

• Honey does not raise stomach acid and, in animal studies, certain honeys show soothing, protective effects on the stomach lining. These laboratory and animal findings do not indicate a harm signal when combined with acid‑reducing therapy. ^{[8] [9]}
• No human pharmacokinetic studies show that honey changes how omeprazole is absorbed, activated, or cleared. Comprehensive reviews of omeprazole interactions center on prescription drugs and herbal inducers like St. John’s wort, not common foods such as honey. ^[10]

Practical guidance for taking omeprazole with honey

• Timing matters for omeprazole, not honey: Take omeprazole on an empty stomach about 30–60 minutes before a meal for best acid suppression. You can consume honey later with food or beverages without a known increase in side‑effect risk. ^[1]
• Watch for known side effects of omeprazole (e.g., headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain), which can occur regardless of honey intake. Serious but uncommon issues such as low magnesium with long‑term use have been reported and are unrelated to eating honey. ^[11]
• Be cautious only if you have specific conditions: If you have diabetes, remember honey contains sugars; manage portions accordingly. If you are on drugs that are known to interact with omeprazole (such as certain antiretrovirals or clopidogrel), discuss the overall regimen with your clinician again, this caution is about the drug combinations, not honey. ^{[2] [3]}

Bottom line

Based on available official labeling and clinical literature, honey does not appear to increase the risk of side effects when taken with omeprazole, and no food–drug interaction between honey and omeprazole is documented. ^{[1] [2]} You can generally include honey in your diet while following the usual instructions for omeprazole timing and monitoring for the medication’s standard side effects. ^[1]