Omeprazole: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and Interactions

Omeprazole is a commonly used medicine to reduce stomach acid and relieve issues like acid reflux, ulcers, and indigestion.

It treats conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, marketed under the brand names Prilosec and Losec, among others. It is also used in people at high risk for the prevention of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

What Are the Uses of Omeprazole Tablet?

Omeprazole capsules is widely prescribed for stomach-related disorders by lowering the acid levels in your stomach.

Conditions Omeprazole Treats

• Acid reflux (GERD)
• Peptic ulcer disease
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
• Erosive esophagitis

Secondary Uses of Omeprazole

• Prevention of gastrointestinal bleeding in high-risk patients
• Long-term symptom control in chronic heartburn
• Esophageal cancer risk reduction in some cases

How Does Omeprazole Tablet Work?

Omeprazole blocks acid-producing pumps in the stomach lining, helping reduce the damage caused by acid to your digestive tract.

It works by inhibiting the enzyme H+/K+ ATPase, which reduces stomach acid production. This mechanism relieves symptoms like heartburn and supports healing of ulcers or esophageal damage.

Dosage Instructions of Omeprazole

Omeprazole is available in multiple dosage forms to suit different patient needs, ranging from capsules and tablets to oral suspension and injectable formulations.

Follow your doctor's instructions carefully to ensure Omeprazole works effectively and safely for your condition. For expert gastroenterology consultation, you can book an appointment at Medicover Hospitals to get the right care for your digestive health.

How to Use Omeprazole Tablet?

• Usually taken once daily before a meal.
• For infants and children, the dosage is based on weight.
• Do not crush or chew delayed-release tablets.
• Disintegrating tablets should be allowed to dissolve on the tongue before swallowing.

If taking antacids or sucralfate: Take Omeprazole at least 30 minutes before sucralfate.

What Should I do if I Miss an Omeprazole Dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses at once-just continue with your regular dosing schedule.

What Happens If I Overdose on Omeprazole?

Overdose may lead to symptoms such as:

• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Blurred vision
• Increased heart rate

Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose.

What Are the Side Effects of Omeprazole?

Like all medicines, Omeprazole may cause side effects in some people. These can be common and usually mild, or serious and less frequent.

Common Side Effects of Omeprazole

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• stomach pain or gas
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth

Serious Side Effects (seek medical help right away)

• Severe allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, breathing difficulty)
• Low magnesium levels (muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, seizures)
• Vitamin B12 deficiency (especially with long-term use)
• Kidney problems (change in urination, swelling, fatigue)
• Clostridium difficile infection (severe diarrhea)
• Bone fractures (hip, wrist, spine - with long-term high-dose use)
• Liver problems (yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine)

Precautions for Omeprazole

Before Taking Omeprazole, inform your doctor if you're allergic to omeprazole or similar medicines (like esomeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole).

• Let your doctor or pharmacist know about any other allergies, as the medicine may contain inactive ingredients that can cause reactions.
• Share your medical history, especially if you have liver disease or lupus.
• Some symptoms may signal a serious condition. Get medical help right away if you experience Chest, jaw, arm, or shoulder pain, lightheadedness, unusual sweating, or shortness of breath, trouble or pain while swallowing food, vomit that looks like coffee grounds or contains blood, black or bloody stools, constant chest pain, heartburn for over 3 months, frequent wheezing, nausea, or stomach pain.
• Inform your doctor about all medicines you are taking, including prescription, nonprescription, or herbal products.

• Long-term use or high doses of proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole may increase the risk of bone fractures, especially in older adults. Contact your doctor about taking calcium and vitamin D supplements.
• Older adults may also face a higher risk of side effects, including C. difficile infection.
• Children may be more likely to develop side effects like fever, cough, or throat infections.
• Only use omeprazole during pregnancy if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
• Omeprazole may pass into breast milk. Talk to your doctor before breastfeeding.

To understand your symptoms better and explore specialised GERD and ulcer management, visit our Gastroenterology Specialists for more insights and expert guidance.

Possible Drug Interactions of Omeprazole

Drug interactions might affect the working of your drugs or raise the risk of serious side effects. Without your doctor's permission, do not adjust the dosage of any medication.

Interacts With:

• Clopidogrel
• Methotrexate (especially high doses)
• St. John's wort
• Rifampin
• Cilostazol

Drugs That Need Stomach Acid to Work Properly

• Atazanavir, nelfinavir, pazopanib
• Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, posaconazole
• Erlotinib
• Rilpivirine

Omeprazole may reduce their absorption and effectiveness. Avoid combining Omeprazole with other PPIs like esomeprazole unless advised by your doctor.

Important Information

• Omeprazole is not intended to alleviate the effects of heartburn immediately.
• Heartburn is often mistaken for the first signs of a heart attack. If you have chest pain or a heavy feeling, pain extending to your arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, and a general sick feeling, seek emergency medical treatment.
• Omeprazole can cause problems with the kidneys. If you urinate less than normal or if you have blood in your urine, tell your doctor.
• Omeprazole can cause symptoms of lupus that are new or worsening. If you have joint pain and a skin rash on your cheeks or arms that gets worse in the sunshine, tell your doctor.
• You could be more likely to get a broken bone in the long term or more than once a day while taking omeprazole.
• It is appropriate to take Prilosec OTC (over-the-counter) for no more than 14 days in a row. Before you start another 14-day treatment, allow at least 4 months to pass.

Note

• If your doctor has prescribed this drug for you, do not share or discuss it with others.
• If it is prescribed for long-term daily use, your doctor may recommend regular lab and medical tests.
• These tests may include blood tests to monitor magnesium and vitamin B-12 levels.
• Attend all scheduled medical and lab appointments to ensure proper monitoring and safety.

How Should Omeprazole Be Stored?

Proper storage helps maintain the effectiveness and safety of Omeprazole for longer periods.

• Store it away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not use expired medicine.
• Do not store it in the bathroom.
• Do not flush this in drainage or near sink.

Omeprazole vs Rabeprazole

References