Clinical analysis and literature review of 6 cases of burning mouth syndrome-like symptoms caused by the long-term oral administration of omeprazole

To analyze the oral adverse drug reactions induced by omeprazole and provide a reference for rational clinical drug use.

From January 2019 to June 2020, the clinical data of patients with burning mouth syndrome caused by omeprazole were collected and analyzed. Additionally, the related literature was reviewed.

Among the six patients, omeprazole was taken orally for as little as 6 months and as long as more than 5 years. The symptoms of burning mouth syndrome were mainly burning sensation in the mouth and paresthesia on the tongue that might be accompanied by extremity numbness. Vitamin and trace element supplementation was administered. The patient discontinued omeprazole, and symptoms disappeared after symptomatic treatment for 1 month to half a year. Literature review suggests that the reason may be associated with peripheral or central nervous system injury, altered saliva composition, and impaired vitamin and micronutrient intake caused by omeprazole.

The cause of burning mouth syndrome-like symptoms may be related to peripheral nerve injury caused by omeprazole and saliva changes. The main treatment is withdrawal and symptomatic treatment.