Omeprazole to reduce stomach acid

About omeprazole

What is omeprazole used for?

Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to reduce the amount of acid in your stomach. It is usually prescribed for the treatment of digestive conditions such as acid reflux and stomach ulcers.

Omeprazole is also given as one part of a treatment to get rid of Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium found in the stomach, which can cause ulcers.

Omeprazole is available on prescription. You can also buy short courses of omeprazole at a pharmacy for the treatment of reflux symptoms (such as heartburn) in adults.

How does omeprazole work?

Omeprazole works by stopping cells in the lining of the stomach from producing too much acid. This can help to prevent ulcers from forming, or assist the healing process where damage has already occurred.

By decreasing the amount of acid, they can also help to reduce the symptoms of acid reflux disease, such as heartburn.

Side effects of omeprazole

The most common side effects of omeprazole are:

• Feeling sick (nausea).

• Being sick (vomiting).

• Stomach ache.

• Farting.

• Diarrhoea.

• Constipation.

• Headache.

You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

How to manage omeprazole side effects

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

Who should not take omeprazole?

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions. Before taking omeprazole let your doctor know about any of the following:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding.

• If you have any of the following symptoms: difficulty swallowing, loss of blood, weight loss, or if you are being sick (vomiting).

• If you have any problems with the way your liver works.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.
  

How to take omeprazole

• Read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about omeprazole and will provide you with a full list of the side effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Omeprazole tablets and capsules contain small pellets which are specially coated to make sure that the medicine is absorbed correctly by your body. Do not chew the pellets. If you find capsules or tablets difficult to swallow, let your doctor know.

• Some omeprazole capsules and tablets can be mixed with water or fruit juice to make swallowing easier and your doctor can prescribe these for you.

• Omeprazole can be taken before or after food, although taking it before food can be preferable.

Dosage

• If you have bought omeprazole for reflux symptoms such as heartburn, take one or two (10 mg) tablets daily, preferably in a morning. You may need to take omeprazole for a day or so to control your symptoms. If your symptoms do not improve within this time, you should talk to your doctor about this.

  • Swallow the tablet with a drink of water - do not chew or crush the tablet before you swallow. Do not take omeprazole for more than four weeks without speaking with a doctor.

• If you have been prescribed omeprazole, take it exactly as your doctor tells you to. There are different strengths of tablets and capsules available so your doctor will tell you which is right for you. It is usually taken once a day.

  • If you are taking it for either Helicobacter pylori eradication or for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, it is likely you will be asked to take two doses a day. Your doctor will tell you which dose is right for you and the directions will also be on the label of the pack to remind you.

Missed dose

• If you forget to take a dose at your usual time, you can take it when you remember (unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose).

• Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your progress can be checked. If you are taking omeprazole on a long-term basis your doctor will want to review your treatment at least once a year to make sure it is still right for you.

• A typical course of treatment lasts for one or two weeks if you are taking omeprazole for Helicobacter pylori eradication. It will last for one or two months if it is to allow an ulcer to heal. For all other reasons for taking omeprazole, your treatment will last for as long as is necessary to control your symptoms.

• Some foods may make your symptoms worse. Foods and drinks that have been suspected of this include peppermint, tomatoes, chocolate, spicy foods, hot drinks, coffee, and alcoholic drinks.

  • If it seems that a food is aggravating your symptoms, try avoiding it for a while to see if your symptoms improve.

  • Also, try avoiding eating large meals, as these can make your symptoms worse too.

• If you are overweight, it puts extra pressure on your stomach and encourages the symptoms of acid reflux. Losing some weight and eating a healthy balanced diet may help you.

• Smoking increases the amount of acid produced by the stomach and may make your symptoms worse. If you are a smoker, speak with your doctor or pharmacist about how to quit.

• Recent studies suggest that there may be a slight increase in the risk of bone fractures when proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole are taken for longer than a year. If this affects you, your doctor will check that you are taking enough vitamin D and calcium to reduce this risk.

• If you buy any medicines 'over the counter', always check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take alongside your other medicines.

How to store omeprazole

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

Frequently asked questions

How long does omeprazole take to work?

Omeprazole usually starts to work within a few hours, but it can take 1 to 4 days to notice relief from heartburn, acid reflux, stomach ulcers, or GERD. How long it takes to fully work depends on what the condition is.

Is it safe to take omeprazole during pregnancy?

Omeprazole is generally considered safe to take during pregnancy for the treatment of heartburn or acid reflux. However, it’s best to speak with your doctor or midwife before taking it to make sure it’s the right option for you and to get the correct dose.

What should be avoided when taking omeprazole?

When taking omeprazole, avoid alcohol, smoking, and spicy, fatty, or acidic foods. You should also avoid taking omeprazole with certain medicines, such as antifungals, antivirals, or blood thinners, unless your doctor advises otherwise.

What happens if I suddenly stop taking omeprazole?

If you suddenly stop taking omeprazole, your stomach may produce more acid than before, causing your symptoms to return or worsen. This is known as acid rebound and can lead to heartburn, indigestion, or acid reflux. You should reduce your dose gradually to prevent symptoms from coming back.