Can you take prilosec and suboxone?

Before answering any type of question about medications, I would advise always being cautious when seeking any type of medical advice on the internet and always consult with your regular physician before making any changes to your prescription medications. The answer I am providing for you is for general information and should not be accepted as a substitute for guidance from a medical professional.

Taking Prilosec is not listed as a relative or absolute contraindication of Suboxone. Prilosec (generic: omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, or PPI) does affect the metabolism of many drugs, especially drugs metabolized by the liver, however it does not appear to affect the metabolism of Suboxone to any noted degree.


Omeprazole is extensively metabolized by the liver and has an inhibitory affect on certain liver enzymes, which can cause the "detoxing" activity of the liver to be slowed, and therefore a "build up" of certain drugs or other toxins in the blood can occur. So it is good to be cautious of drug interactions while taking it, although it is a widely used over the counter (OTC) medication that is generally accepted as safe.


Suboxone (generic: buprenorphine + naloxone) is a drug used to help with opioid dependence and is greatly restricted in many countries. Caution for use is advised in those individuals with moderate-to-severe hepatic (liver) impairment. This generally means someone who has known symptomatic liver disease such as cirrhosis or hepatitis and not the minimal-to-none "hepatic impairment" that may occur while taking a PPI.


Hope that helps and be sure to talk to your doctor.


Credentials: Medical student 4th year
Sources: Epocrates Essentials; Tarascon Pharmacopoea 2009