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When to take Omeprazole
Omeprazole is a medication taken when you have certain problems in the stomach and oesophagus such as acid reflux and ulcers. Omeprazole capsules or delayed-release capsules are taken preferably in the morning. With or without food intake, it will not make your stomach upset. If you are taking omeprazole twice a day, it is advisable to take one in the morning and another dose in the evening.
Take this medicine at the same time each day to help you remember. Regular intake of this medication would help with your treatment. For self-treating with the over-the-counter omeprazole, you can only take this medication for 14 days or less, unless directed by a doctor.
What is Omeprazole?
Omeprazole belongs to a class of medications called proton-pump inhibitor (PPI). It is used to treat certain conditions where there is too much acid in the stomach. The medicine decreases the amount of acid made in the stomach. This is usually taken to treat acid reflux and ulcers.
Video: What is Omeprazole?
What are the uses of Omeprazole?
Over-the-counter omeprazole is used as a treatment for frequent heartburn. It is usual to take this medicine once a day. However, prescription omeprazole is used for more serious diseases. It is used to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers, erosive esophagitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) for children one year of age and older and adults. This medicine also prevents further damage to the oesophagus caused by GERD. Prescription omeprazole also treats Zollinger-Ellison syndrome in adults, a case where the stomach produces too much acid. It is also used to treat ulcers. In general, this medication helps relieves the symptoms of some digestive diseases such as heartburn, difficulty in swallowing and may also help prevent cancer of the oesophagus.
Can you take Omeprazole when pregnant and breastfeeding?
There are no adequate studies on the risk of using omeprazole during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The medicine passes into the breast milk but only in small amounts that would not be harmful to your baby. However, if you are breastfeeding a premature baby or one who has health problems, it is best to consult your doctor first. For pregnant women or those trying to get pregnant, there is no record of risks for your pregnancy. Consult your doctor and weigh the potential risks and benefits of this medication. Like any other medicine, a drug should be taken if it will give more benefit than harm to the patient.
What are the side effects of Omeprazole?
Side effects of omeprazole are rare. Only a few experience common side effects such as headache, feeling sick, vomiting, stomach pain, and constipation. It may also make you feel dizzy or sleepy or find it difficult to sleep. It could also make you itchy or make your feet swell. If the pain is unbearable, it is best to consult your doctor. Serious side effects of taking omeprazole also happens rarely. These side effects include joint pain with a red skin rash in parts of the body exposed to the sun, which can be a sign of subacute cutaneous lupus and yellow skin, dark pee, and tiredness- which can be a sign of liver problems. Consult your doctor right away if you have these side effects. All of these can happen even if you are taking omeprazole for a long time.
Should I take any precautionary measures when taking Omeprazole?
Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitors (PPI). Older Adults taking a medicine belonging to the class of PPI, in this case, omeprazole, in higher doses and longer use may increase your risk for bone fractures. In such circumstance, the doctor may recommend for you to take calcium and Vitamin D to prevent bone loss or fracture.
For people self-treating and using omeprazole, it’s best to consult your doctor and seek help if you have trouble/pain swallowing food, bloody vomit, bloody/black stool, frequent heartburn and chest pain, frequent wheezing, nausea, and stomach pain.
It is best to consult your doctor if you are planning to take omeprazole with other medicine.
Do not use omeprazole if you are also using medicines containing rilpivirine.
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