Based on NIH | Can omeprazole cause dry mouth, and what should I do if I develop this side effect?

Yes omeprazole can cause dry mouth (xerostomia) in some people, although it is not among the most common side effects. ^[1] Evidence from official product information lists “dry mouth” as a reported adverse effect for multiple omeprazole formulations. ^{[1] [2]} Small clinical observations have also shown reduced salivary flow that improved after stopping omeprazole in affected individuals. ^[3]

How omeprazole may lead to dry mouth

• Reduced saliva production has been measured during omeprazole therapy in a subset of users, with flow returning toward normal after the medicine was stopped. ^[3] Lower saliva can increase the risk of mouth infections like oral thrush (Candida), especially when dryness is significant. ^[3]
• Dry mouth is also listed alongside oral issues such as stomatitis and tongue mucosal changes in product labeling, supporting a plausible medication-related effect. ^{[1] [4]}

When to seek care

• If you develop persistent dry mouth after starting omeprazole, it may be medication-related and warrants a discussion with your clinician. ^[1] New mouth pain, burning, changes in taste, cracks at the corners of the mouth, or white patches on the tongue/cheeks can suggest infection and should be evaluated promptly. ^[3]
• Do not stop a prescribed acid‑reducing medicine suddenly without guidance, especially if you take it for ulcers, severe reflux, Barrett’s esophagus, or Zollinger‑Ellison syndrome. ^{[5] [6]}

What you can do right now

• Hydration and moisture
  • Sip water frequently and keep a bottle nearby; use ice chips to moisten the mouth. ^{[7] [8]}
  • Use saliva substitutes (artificial saliva) or dry‑mouth moisturizing gels/sprays as needed. ^{[9] [7]}
• Stimulate saliva
  • Chew sugar‑free gum or suck on sugar‑free lozenges (xylitol is a good option) to gently boost saliva. ^{[7] [8]}
• Avoid mouth‑drying triggers
  • Limit caffeine and alcohol, which can worsen dryness. ^{[7] [8]}
  • Avoid tobacco and mouthwashes with alcohol; choose products formulated for dry mouth. ^[9]
• Oral hygiene
  • Brush with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to protect teeth and gums when saliva is low. ^[8]
  • If you wear dentures, clean and rest them nightly to lower the risk of thrush. ^[3]

Medication options to discuss with your clinician

• Adjusting therapy
  • A dose reduction, switching to a different proton pump inhibitor (PPI), or stepping down to an H2 blocker (like famotidine) may be considered if dry mouth is troublesome and your condition allows a change. Any adjustment should be individualized and supervised. ^{[5] [6]}
• Treating the dryness
  • Prescription saliva‑stimulating medicines (secretagogues), such as pilocarpine or cevimeline, may help in selected cases when dryness significantly affects daily life. ^{[9] [10]}
• Checking for complications
  • If symptoms are significant or long‑lasting, your clinician may check salivary flow or look for oral candidiasis and treat if present. ^{[10] [3]}

Bottom line

Dry mouth is a recognized, though less common, side effect of omeprazole and has been documented both in product labeling and small clinical observations showing reversible decreases in saliva flow. ^{[1] [2] [3]} Most people can manage it with hydration, saliva‑stimulating strategies, and dry‑mouth products, but if symptoms persist or impact quality of life, a supervised medication adjustment or targeted treatment may be appropriate. ^{[7] [9]}