Based on NIH | Can omeprazole cause muscle pain, and what should I do if I develop this symptom while taking it?

Yes omeprazole can be associated with muscle pain (myalgia), although this side effect appears to be uncommon; it is listed in official prescribing information among musculoskeletal adverse reactions. ^[1] Muscle cramps and aches are also mentioned in consumer safety information, and users are advised to contact a clinician if these occur. ^[2]

How omeprazole might lead to muscle symptoms

• Proton‑pump inhibitors like omeprazole can, over time, lower magnesium levels by reducing intestinal absorption. Low magnesium (hypomagnesemia) can cause muscle cramps, aches, weakness, and even spasms. ^[3] Because of this risk, labels advise checking magnesium before or during prolonged therapy, especially if symptoms occur. ^[3]
• Beyond magnesium, the professional label lists musculoskeletal effects including muscle weakness, myalgia, and muscle cramps, indicating a possible direct or indirect association even when magnesium is normal. ^[1]

What to do if you develop muscle pain on omeprazole

• Seek medical advice promptly if you notice new muscle cramps, aches, weakness, spasms of hands/feet, tremors, or fast/abnormal heartbeat while taking omeprazole. ^[2] These can be signs of low magnesium or another adverse reaction that needs evaluation. ^[2]
• Your clinician may order blood tests, especially a serum magnesium level, and sometimes calcium and potassium, because magnesium loss can also lower these electrolytes. ^[3] If hypomagnesemia is found, treatment may include magnesium repletion and reassessing the need for ongoing omeprazole. ^[3]

Step‑by‑step action plan

1. Note your symptoms: when they started, severity, any triggers, and whether you also have weakness, tremors, palpitations, dizziness, or seizures. ^[2]
2. Contact your clinician: muscle cramps/aches and weakness on omeprazole warrant evaluation rather than “waiting it out,” particularly if you’ve been on it long‑term or take other medicines that can lower magnesium. ^[2]
3. Get checked: ask about electrolyte testing (magnesium, potassium, calcium) and whether a medication review is needed. ^[3]
4. Discuss alternatives: depending on your condition, options may include dose reduction, switching to a different heartburn therapy, adding magnesium if low, or limiting duration of PPI therapy under guidance. ^[3]
5. Seek urgent care if severe: if you develop severe weakness, spasms, tremors, abnormal heartbeat, or seizures, seek immediate medical attention. ^[2]

Drug interaction and special situations

• If you also take medications known to cause muscle problems (for example, statins), or multiple interacting drugs, report this to your clinician; rare case reports describe serious muscle injury when PPIs are combined with other myotoxic or interacting agents. ^[4] While such events are rare, careful review can help reduce risk. ^[4]

Key takeaways

• Muscle pain, cramps, and weakness are recognized adverse reactions with omeprazole, and may signal low magnesium, especially with long‑term use. ^{[1] [3]}
• Do not stop or adjust prescription medicines on your own; instead, contact your clinician promptly for evaluation and possible magnesium testing. ^{[2] [3]}