Omeprazole

Omeprazole belongs to the class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors and reduces the production of stomach acid. This medicine is occasionally used in conjunction with medicines to treat ulcers connected to the illness brought on by the H. pylori bacterium.

What are the uses of Omeprazole?

Omeprazole reduces stomach acid secretion, which makes it effective in treating several stomach and oesophageal issues. Heartburn, swallowing issues, and coughing are all alleviated by it. This drug may help prevent oesophageal cancer and helps cure acid damage to the stomach and oesophagus. It also helps avoid ulcers. All in all, Omeprazole is used to cure excess stomach acid in disorders such as non-cancerous stomach ulcers, active duodenal ulcers, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, Erosive esophagitis. 

Prescription

Omeprazole is prescribed for the following adult conditions:

• Stomach ulcers

• Duodenal ulcers

• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection within the digestive system

• Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• Esophagitis caused by GERD

• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

How and when do I take Omeprazole?  

• Omeprazole should be taken exactly as recommended on the label or by your doctor. Read any medicine instructions or instruction sheets and adhere to all guidelines on your prescription label.
• Use dry hands to touch the dissolving pills to delay the release if you're using them. Put the tablet on your tongue, then wait for it to dissolve. It is possible to swallow the pill with or without water once it has broken down. 
• A dosage should be measured after shaking the oral solution (liquid). Use a dose-measuring instrument or the dosing syringe that is provided with the medicine.
• It's necessary to mix a little bit of water with the Omeprazole powder before use. By utilising a catheter-tipped syringe, this combination can be ingested or administered via a Nasogastric (NG) feeding tube.
• Omeprazole OTC should only be used for 14 days in a row. Before starting a fresh 14-day treatment program, wait at least 4 months.
• The dose for children is also determined by weight. Never use this medication in larger amounts or more frequently than recommended.
• Antacids can be administered in addition to this medicine if necessary. Omeprazole should be taken at least 30 minutes before sucralfate if you are also taking it.

What are the side effects of Omeprazole?

If you have any of the mentioned signs of an Omeprazole allergy reaction, including trouble breathing or swelling of your face, tongue, lips, or throat, get emergency medical attention. If you are going through any of the following problems, stop using this medicine and see your doctor:  

• New or uncommon pain in your wrist, thigh, hip, or back
• Cold signs include a runny nose, sneezing, and a painful throat
• Blood in the urine, frequent or infrequent urination, joint pain, nausea, or a loss of appetite
• Severe stomach ache, persistent fever, watery stools, and diarrhoea
• Skin with blisters, flakes, or bleeding; vaginal, lip, nose, mouth, or throat sores; enlarged glands; breathing difficulties; fever; or flu-like signs.
• Severe fatigue, a racing or pounding heartbeat, involuntary trembling of a body part, muscular spasms, disorientation, or convulsions
• Fundic gland polyps, which are stomach growths, can form if you take Omeprazole for an extended period of time. 

Consult your doctor about these risks. You may become vitamin B-12 deficient if you use this medication for more than three years.

What to do if I miss a dose of Omeprazole?

Take the missed dosage as soon as you remember it. If the time for the subsequent dose is approaching, avoid the missed dose. Take your subsequent dosage at the regular time.

What to do if I overdose on Omeprazole?

In any case, if you took the extra dose of Omeprazole, immediately contact your doctor or visit the nearest hospital. It is strictly advised not to take an overdose, and only keep your doses to the limits as prescribed by the doctor.

Which medications may Omeprazole interact with?

Using a few medicines at once is occasionally not advised. Other medications you take may experience increased adverse effects or lose some of their effectiveness if certain medications have an impact on the blood levels of those medications.    

• Digoxin
• Methotrexate
• Clopidogrel
• A diuretic or "water pill"
• An antibiotic - amoxicillin, clarithromycin

All of your existing medications should be mentioned to your doctor to get an alternative safe prescription.

What are the precautions of taking Omeprazole?    

• When using Omeprazole, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any additional allergies you may have, as well as any allergies to it or other related medications. This product may include inactive chemicals that might lead to allergic reactions or other issues.
• Before using this medication, consult your doctor or chemist about your medical history, especially any liver illness or lupus.
• Only use this medication if it is prescribed by a doctor while you are pregnant. The benefits and hazards should be discussed with your doctor.
• Proton pump inhibitors can raise your risk of bone fractures, especially if you use them for a longer period of time, take greater dosages, or are older. Talk to your doctor about taking calcium and vitamin D supplements to prevent bone loss and fractures.

How to store and dispose of Omeprazole? 

• Keep this medicine out of your kids' reach and firmly closed in the container. Away from light, excessive heat, and moisture, keep it in room-temperature storage space.
• Medicine that is no longer needed or that is obsolete should not be kept.
• To dispose of any medication you are not using, see the label or ask the medical expert about it.

How long does Omeprazole take effect?

The full effect of Omeprazole is felt around two hours after taking the medication, and it takes about an hour to stop the production of stomach acid.

Omeprazole vs Pantoprazole

FAQs

1. Does omeprazole create vitamin deficiencies?

Prolonged use of omeprazole may reduce the absorption of certain vitamins like B12 and magnesium. It's advisable for long-term users to monitor their vitamin levels and consider supplementation if necessary.

2. Can cardiac patients take omeprazole?

Omeprazole is generally safe for most cardiac patients. However, it's important for patients with heart conditions to discuss its use with a healthcare provider, as it can interact with certain cardiac medications.

3. What are Omeprazole's long-term side effects?

Long-term use of omeprazole has been associated with potential side effects, including an increased risk of bone fractures, kidney issues, and Clostridium difficile infection. Regular monitoring and discussions with a healthcare provider are advisable for those on long-term therapy.

4. What should I be aware of before using Omeprazole?

Prior to using omeprazole, inform your healthcare provider of any allergies, existing medical conditions, and medications you're taking. Be aware of potential drug interactions and follow the prescribed dosage and duration. Lifestyle changes, such as dietary modifications, may also be recommended.

5. Is it safe to combine omeprazole and domperidone?

Omeprazole and domperidone can be prescribed together in some cases. Omeprazole reduces stomach acid production, while domperidone helps with gastric motility. However, their combined use should be under medical supervision, and the decision depends on the patient's specific condition and needs. Discuss this with your healthcare provider.

References:

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-3766-2250/Omeprazole-oral/Omeprazole-delayed-release-tablet-oral/details https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a693050.html#:~:text=Nonprescription%20(over%2Dthe%2Dcounter,acid%20made%20in%20the%20stomach.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is not meant to substitute an advice from a healthcare professional. The information is not intended to cover all the possible uses, side-effects, precautions, and drug interactions. This information is not intended to suggest that using a specific drug is suitable, safe, or efficient for you or anyone else. The absence of any information or warning regarding the drug should not be interpreted as an implicit guarantee from the organisation. We strongly advise you to consult a doctor if you have any concerns about the drug and never use the medication without a doctor’s prescription.