Omeprazole

💊 What is Omeprazole used for?

• •Short-term treatment of active duodenal ulcers (ulcers in the first part of the small intestine) in adults
• •Eradicating H. pylori, a bacterial infection that can cause duodenal ulcers, in adults, to lower the chance of the ulcer coming back. It is used together with antibiotics.
• •Short-term treatment of active benign gastric ulcers (stomach ulcers) in adults
• •Treating heartburn and other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in people 2 years of age and older
• •Healing and maintaining healing of erosive esophagitis (esophagus damage caused by stomach acid) due to GERD in people 2 years of age and older
• •Long-term treatment of conditions where the stomach makes too much acid, including Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, in adults

How it works

Omeprazole reduces the amount of acid in your stomach. The label describes it as a proton pump inhibitor that inhibits gastric acid secretion.

How it is usually taken

• •The label says to take omeprazole exactly as prescribed, at the lowest dose possible and for the shortest time needed. Your prescriber or pharmacist will tell you how and when to take it. The label sections provided do not include more detail on food or timing, so ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.

Comes as

• •10 mg delayed-release capsules
• •20 mg delayed-release capsules
• •40 mg delayed-release capsules

⚠️ Omeprazole side effects

🛑 Who should not take Omeprazole, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨You are allergic to omeprazole or any of its ingredients.
• 🚨You are allergic to any other proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medicine.
• 🚨You are taking a medicine that contains rilpivirine (EDURANT or COMPLERA), used to treat HIV-1.

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •Tell your doctor if you have low magnesium, low calcium, or low potassium levels in your blood.
• •Tell your doctor if you have liver problems or any other medical conditions.
• •Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
• •Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
• •Tell your doctor if you have stomach symptoms. The label says a good response to treatment does not rule out stomach cancer, so your doctor may want more tests.
• •Tell your doctor if you take long-term or daily treatment. The label says long-term daily use longer than 3 years may lead to low vitamin B-12.

🔀 Omeprazole with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •Rilpivirine-containing products (such as EDURANT or COMPLERA): the label says these must not be used with omeprazole.
• •Atazanavir and nelfinavir (HIV medicines): the label says to avoid using them with omeprazole.
• •Saquinavir (HIV medicine): the label says its prescribing information should be checked for monitoring of possible side effects.
• •Warfarin (a blood thinner): omeprazole can raise INR and prothrombin time, which may lead to abnormal bleeding. The label says these levels should be monitored.
• •Clopidogrel: the label says to avoid using omeprazole with clopidogrel.
• •St. John's Wort and rifampin: the label says to avoid using them with omeprazole.
• •Methotrexate, mainly at high doses: omeprazole may raise methotrexate levels and may lead to toxicity. The label says a temporary stop of omeprazole may be considered.
• •Tests for neuroendocrine tumors: omeprazole can affect Chromogranin A (CgA) test results. The label says to stop omeprazole at least 14 days before this test.

Alcohol and food

The label does not say.

🤰 Omeprazole in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label says there are no adequate, well-controlled studies of omeprazole in pregnant women. Available data did not show an increased risk of major birth defects or other pregnancy problems with first-trimester use. The label says it is not known if omeprazole will harm an unborn baby, so talk with your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding

The label says omeprazole passes into breast milk. Talk with your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you take this medicine.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

Store in a tight container, protected from light and moisture, at 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F), as stated on the label.

If a dose is missed

The label does not say.

If too much is taken

The label says overdoses have been reported at doses many times the usual recommended dose. Symptoms reported include confusion, drowsiness, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, sweating, flushing, headache, and dry mouth. The label says these symptoms were temporary and no serious outcome was reported when omeprazole was taken alone. There is no specific antidote. If over-exposure happens, call Poison Control.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Omeprazole

• How long should I take omeprazole for my condition?
• Do I need to be checked for H. pylori or stomach cancer before I start?
• What signs of kidney problems or severe diarrhea should make me call you right away?
• Are any of my other medicines, such as warfarin or clopidogrel, affected by omeprazole?
• Should I get tests for vitamin B-12 or magnesium while I take this medicine long term?
• What should I do if my symptoms do not get better during treatment?

❓ Omeprazole: frequently asked questions