Omeprazole

What is Omeprazole?

Omeprazole is a PPI medication. It is a class of drug that is known as proton pump inhibitors. This medicine reduces acid in the stomach and is commonly used for the treatment of indigestion, acid reflux, and heartburn. Omeprazole is widely taken to treat stomach ulcers too.

Omeprazole comes in liquid, capsule, and tablet form.

How does Omeprazole work?

Omeprazole works by effectively reducing the level of acidity and the amount of acid produced inside the stomach. It works by blocking certain systems in the cell walls of the stomach refer to as proton pump. The process impacts the final stages of acid production. Whenever the proton pump is effectively blocked, the stomach creates lesser acid. This helps acid reflux, hyperacidity, and certain ulcers.

What are the benefits of Omeprazole?

Stomach pain can be debilitating and it precludes one from performing daily tasks. This is where the drug Omeprazole comes in handy. It helps reduce acidity levels inside the stomach enabling lesser symptoms and pain for patients. Once treated, they are back to their daily activities in no time.

How do I use Omeprazole?

Omeprazole is a medication that can be taken once a day, preferably in the morning. For acute acid reflux, hyperacidity, or stomach ulcers, take Omeprazole twice a day – once in the morning and in the evening.

Take Omeprazole as recommended by your physician, at least 1 hour before any full meal.

Do not gnaw or chew on the capsule. You must take the capsule as a whole with a full glass of water.

Omeprazole dosage

Omeprazole is a prescription only medication. You may purchase the lowest strength available in pharmacies. The lowest dose is a 10mg tablet. Other strengths available are 20 and 40 milligrams.

For stomach infection or duodenal ulcer of patients aged 18 years and older, take 20 milligrams Omeprazole once a day for 4 weeks.

For duodenal ulcer caused by Helicobacter pylori infection of patients aged 18 years and older, take 20 milligrams twice a day for 10 days.

For gastric ulcer of patients aged 18 years and older, take 40 milligrams once a day for 4-8 weeks of treatment.

For GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease of patients aged 18 years and older, take 20 milligrams Omeprazole once a day for 4 weeks.

This medication has not been used among children below 2 years old and so it cannot be used on pediatric patients on this age range.

Side effects and precautions

Like any other medicine, Omeprazole oral capsules come with certain side effects. But, not all people are able to get them. If you are wary about the adverse of the drug, always check on the product information leaflet for a list of side effects.

Here are the most common side effects of the Omeprazole medication:

For Adults:

• Gas
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhea

For Children:

• Gas
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Fever

The reported side effects in children are quite similar with that of adults with the exception of fever. Many pediatric patients are able to catch fever on top of the side effects of Omeprazole mentioned here.

Should these side effects occur, they are often mild and will surely go away in a few days or weeks. If they are rather sever and do not go away easily, make sure to contact your nurse, pharmacist, or physician regarding it.

Omeprazole Serious Side Effects

There are some few cases of reported serious side effects of Omeprazole. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately. Contact 911 if your symptoms appear to be fatal or life-threatening or where your condition requires immediate medical attention.

Here are the serious side effects of Omeprazole:

• Jitteriness
• Muscle weakness
• Exhaustion or tiredness
• Dizzinesmethotrs
• Seizures
• Abnormal heart rate
• Fast heart rate or palpitations
• Cramps
• Joint or muscle aches
• Spasm of your voice box
• Tremors
• Spasms of your hands and feet
• Low magnesium levels

Using Omeprazole for more than three months can drastically reduce magnesium levels in the body. If you have used the medication for a longer period and or you want to stop the medication altogether, consult your nurse, doctor, or pharmacist before doing so. Do not attempt to increase your dose or lower it without proper advice from a health care professional.

This medication can interact with other drugs, supplements, vitamins, or herbs patients might be taking. The interaction occurs when another medicine impacts the way a certain medication works in the body. This can hinder the way the drug works and can be very dangerous. Avoid these interactions by asking your doctor and let him know about all the medications, supplements, and herbs you are taking to ensure that Omeprazole will work effectively for you.

Omeprazole does not cause drowsiness. One can still drive, operate machinery, or perform tasks that require mental alertness and focus while on medication. However, there are some side effects that can be experienced. The side effects can differ from one person to another considering their age, medical condition, treatment taken, and more. Always consult your doctor before taking any medication.

Omezaprole 20 mg

The regular dosage of an Omezaprole tablet is 20 mg. It is also available as an over-the-counter medication by the name of Prilosec. Prilosec 20 mg can be sold OTC at pharmacies across the UK. It is available via over-the-counter and through doctor's prescription when you buy Omeprazole tablets. Dosage must be followed according only to doctors' advice. It is important to follow doctors' advice on this as different condition may require different dosage.

Omeprazole 40 mg

It is common to be prescribed capsules at a strength of 40 mg per dosage. It is typically sold as Omeprazole 20 mg tablets. If you are prescribed for a 40 mg dose, simply take two 20 mg Omeprazole capsules.

More Information

• What are the side effects of long term use of Omeprazole?
• When to take Omeprazole?
• What is Omeprazole used for?
• How to use Omeprazole