Does Omeprazole Contain Pork-Derived Gelatin, and Is It Safe for People with Pork Allergy?

Most omeprazole capsules use gelatin in the capsule shell, and the labeling consistently lists “gelatin” among the inactive ingredients. ^[1] Many U.S. omeprazole delayed‑release capsule labels specify gelatin in the shell for 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg strengths. ^{[2] [3] [4]} While the labels identify “gelatin,” they do not state the animal source; in the pharmaceutical industry, gelatin is commonly sourced from pigs (porcine) or cattle (bovine), and the exact source can vary by manufacturer and batch. ^[5] Because the official labels don’t disclose whether the gelatin is pork‑derived, it cannot be assumed to be pork‑free without direct confirmation from the specific manufacturer. ^{[1] [2]}

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What the Labels Say

• Gelatin listed in capsule shells: Multiple omeprazole capsule labels (different manufacturers) report gelatin in the capsule shells. ^[1]
• Across strengths: Gelatin appears in 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg capsule shells depending on product. ^{[2] [3] [4]}
• Other inert ingredients vary: Besides gelatin, excipients include hypromellose, crospovidone, methacrylic acid copolymer, talc, titanium dioxide, and dyes; these differ by brand and strength. ^{[1] [6] [7]}

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Is Gelatin Pork-Derived?

• Industry practice: Gelatin used in pharmaceuticals is most often produced from pig skin, and also from cattle hides and bones; fish‑based gelatin exists but is less common in standard capsule shells. ^[5]
• Label limitations: U.S. drug labels typically list “gelatin” without naming the animal source, so the pork content is not identifiable from the public label alone. ^{[1] [2]}

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Safety for Pork Allergy

• Allergy concern: If you have an immunologic pork allergy (true IgE‑mediated allergy to pork), gelatin sourced from pigs could, in theory, pose a risk because gelatin is derived from animal collagen. The label does not tell you the source, so caution is reasonable. ^[5]
• PPIs and hypersensitivity: Allergic reactions to omeprazole itself are rare but documented; cross‑reactivity patterns exist among PPIs, with some individuals tolerating lansoprazole after reacting to omeprazole. ^[8]
• Clinical nuance: Many people with dietary pork restriction for religious or personal reasons focus on source; for medical pork allergy, the risk depends on whether the gelatin contains the specific pork proteins capable of triggering their allergy. Evidence is limited, and risk can vary by individual sensitivity. ^[8]

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Practical Options and Alternatives

• Confirm source with manufacturer: The only reliable way to know if a specific omeprazole capsule uses porcine or bovine gelatin is to contact the product’s manufacturer and ask for the gelatin source for your lot number. Labels confirm “gelatin,” but not its origin. ^[2]
• Consider non‑gelatin formulations: Some PPIs are available in tablet forms or suspensions that avoid gelatin shells; excipient lists differ by product and may better suit allergy needs. Checking alternative omeprazole products’ ingredient lists or considering another PPI (e.g., lansoprazole tablet) can help. ^{[7] [8]}
• Discuss with your clinician: If you have a documented pork allergy, it’s reasonable to discuss switching to a formulation without gelatin or to a PPI with a non‑gelatin tablet; supervised trials or allergy guidance may be appropriate when uncertainty remains. ^[8]

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Quick Reference: Omeprazole Capsule Ingredients (Examples)

Product/Set ID (DailyMed)	Dosage Form	Capsule Shell Key Inactive Ingredients	Notes
5aba19da-663f-4901-94e2-f438dba4841f	Capsule, delayed-release 40 mg	Gelatin; hypromellose; crospovidone; others	Gelatin listed; source not specified. [1]
ee0598a1-0e5e-40ff-ad88-b0adfc533ca0	Capsule, delayed-release 10 mg/20 mg	Gelatin; titanium dioxide; iron oxides (10 mg)	Shell contains gelatin; origin not disclosed. [2]
a53ea447-add5-4ed5-aa7e-975b13d90e75	Capsule, delayed-release 40 mg	Gelatin; titanium dioxide; dyes	Gelatin present in shell. [3]
11a810ca-72e8-1d9b-e054-00144ff88e88	Capsule, delayed-release	Gelatin; red iron oxide; titanium dioxide	Gelatin listed in shell. [4]
487ff32f-943e-458b-b898-bd7b0290cc49	Capsule, delayed-release	Gelatin among shell ingredients with dyes	Gelatin present; colorants vary. [6]

Gelatin presence is consistent; the animal source is not disclosed on labels, so manufacturer verification is needed. ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [6]}

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Bottom Line

• Does omeprazole contain gelatin? Yes, many omeprazole delayed‑release capsules list gelatin in the capsule shell. ^[1]
• Is it pork‑derived? The label does not say; common industry sources include pork and beef, so pork origin is possible. Only the manufacturer can confirm for a given product. ^[5]
• Is it safe for pork allergy? It may be safer to avoid gelatin‑capsule products until the source is confirmed; non‑gelatin formulations or alternative PPIs (especially tablet forms) can be considered with your clinician. ^[8]

If you need help identifying a gelatin‑free option, share the exact brand and strength you’re taking so we can review its excipients and discuss suitable alternatives?