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3.5 Minute

18-07-2024 Team Medicover general-medicine

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Santosh M Narayankar, Gastroenterologist Medical

Omeprazole Capsules Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Warnings

Omeprazole capsules are commonly prescribed to treat a range of stomach and oesophagus issues, such as heartburn, acid reflux, and ulcers. You may have come across these capsules if you've been experiencing digestive discomfort.

One common form is the gastro-resistant capsule, which helps ensure the medicine works effectively by preventing it from breaking down in the stomach too soon. This article explores the benefits, uses, and effectiveness of omeprazole capsules and how they can relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life by reducing excess stomach acid.

What are Omeprazole Capsules?

Omeprazole(oral route) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). These medications lessen the production of acid by your stomach. Omeprazole reduces stomach acid, which is helpful as a treatment for symptoms associated with too much acid in the stomach, e.g., heartburn and indigestion.

Omeprazole Gastro Resistant Capsules

Take with or after you drink anything and swallow some saliva (mouthful). Omeprazole gastro-resistant capsules are designed to pass through the stomach intact. This guarantees that the medicine will be released in a targeted area and not degraded by stomach acid.

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Uses of Omeprazole Capsules

Omeprazole capsules have a variety of uses. Let us observe some of the most common uses below:

Omeprazole Capsules 20mg Uses

A typical dosage of 20mg encapsulated capsule. For many, this dose seems to be the sweet spot and can help alleviate:

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD is a long-term condition where stomach acid frequently comes back up to the oesophagus. It functions by reducing the amount of stomach acid produced to relieve heartburn.
Peptic Ulcers: Stomach ulcers are sores inside the stomach. Omeprazole can also help heal ulcers by reducing stomach acid.
Erosive Esophagitis: It is inflammation of the oesophagus caused by stomach acid. Omeprazole prevents further damage to the oesophagus and helps repair any acid-related symptoms.
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: An uncommon circumstance wherein one or more tumours form in the pancreas, duodenum, or both of these organs and rarely appear from the oesophagus to the colon, producing too much acid. Omeprazole controls excess acid production.

Other Omeprazole Tablet Uses

Other conditions omeprazole is prescribed for include:

Prevent Ulcers: For people who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are known to cause stomach ulcers, omeprazole is prescribed to prevent the formation of these ulcers.
H. Pylori Therapy: Omeprazole is used with antibiotics like Clarithromycin and Amoxicillin to treat H. pylori infections. In resistant cases, a quadruple therapy with Levofloxacin may be recommended.

Dosage of Omeprazole Capsules

The dosage of Omeprazole may vary depending on the condition being treated and the patient’s age. Here’s a general guide:

For Adults:

Acid Reflux / Heartburn (GERD): 20 mg once daily for 4 to 8 weeks.
Stomach Ulcers: 20 mg once daily for 4 to 8 weeks.
H. pylori Infection (with antibiotics): 20 mg twice daily for 7–14 days.
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: Starting dose: 60 mg once daily (can be adjusted based on response).

For Children (under medical supervision):

Dose is based on weight and condition. A doctor will decide the right amount.

Omeprazole Capsules IP Administration Guide

Remember to take the omeprazole capsules as your doctor recommends.

Below is a set of general rules:

Strength: Use as directed. The usual adult dose of Omeprazole Capsules IP 20 mg is one capsule per day.
When: In the morning, before breakfast.
Take your medicine as directed: Do not crush, chew, or open the capsule. Swallow it at once so that it works as anticipated.
Length of treatment: Finish your entire course of medicine, even if you feel better. Discontinuing use early may lead to symptom relapse.

Omeprazole Capsules Side Effects

While Omeprazole is generally safe, it may cause some side effects in certain people. Common and less common side effects include:

Common Side Effects

Headache: A number of people using omeprazole may experience headaches.
Nausea: Nausea and vomiting may occur, though it is rare.
Diarrhoea: You may experience diarrhoea (loose, watery stools) and changes in your digestion.
Stomach Upset: Mild stomach irritation may occur.

Serious Side Effects

Although uncommon, serious side effects may occur. If any of the following happen, seek emergency help immediately:

Allergic Reaction: Severe cases may cause rash, itchiness, or swelling of the face, tongue, and throat, dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
Kidney Problems: Symptoms include changes in urine amount.
Magnesium Deficiency: This may lead to muscle cramps, abnormal heartbeats, and seizures.

Warnings & Precautions of Omeprazole

Take Omeprazole only as your doctor tells you. Don’t use it for longer than needed. It doesn’t work right away for heartburn it may take a few days to help. Let your doctor know if you have liver or kidney problems before starting. Using Omeprazole for a long time can lower your magnesium, calcium, or vitamin B12 levels, and may increase the risk of bone fractures, especially in older people.

It can also hide signs of serious stomach problems, so talk to your doctor if your symptoms don’t go away. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, use it only if your doctor says it’s safe. Also, tell your doctor about any other medicines or supplements you take to avoid side effects.

Who Should Avoid Omeprazole?

Most people can take omeprazole safely, but some should avoid it:

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are in either of these situations, avoid taking omeprazole.
Allergic Reaction: Do not take omeprazole if you are allergic to this medicine or similar medications.
Liver Problems: Talk to your doctor if you have liver problems before taking omeprazole.

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Conclusion

Omeprazole capsules provide lasting relief for a number of stomach and oesophagus problems. Benefits range from treating heartburn and ulcers to reducing long-term chronic illnesses.

Speak to your doctor before trying any new medication, and follow the advice of a health professional. By learning about Omeprazole and its uses, you can better control your health, leading to an overall improvement in quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Avoid drinking alcohol, smoking, and eating spicy or acidic foods, as these can worsen stomach issues. Also, don’t take it with other acid-reducing drugs unless your doctor says it’s okay.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses at once.

An overdose may cause symptoms like confusion, headache, nausea, or a fast heartbeat. If you think you’ve taken too much, seek medical help right away.

Yes, you can take antacids like Tums with omeprazole if needed for quick relief. Just don’t take them at the exact same time space them out by at least 30 minutes.

Long-term use of omeprazole may slightly increase the risk of kidney problems. It’s important to use it as prescribed and check with your doctor if you plan to take it for a long time.

There’s no strong evidence that omeprazole causes cancer. Some studies suggest a possible link with long-term use, but more research is needed. Always talk to your doctor about risks.