Omeprazole is a remedy indicated for gastric ulcers and reflux because it reduces the acidity of the stomach but can also be used to protect the stomach mucosa from the action of drugs that inhibit its protection, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
This medicine should be taken preferably in the morning, on an empty stomach, or according to medical advice, so that it has the desired effect.
Omeprazole is the active ingredient in the drug that can be found commercially under the names Losec, Prepazol, Victrix, Omeprasec and others.
What is it for
Omeprazole is indicated for the treatment of reflux esophagitis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, which is a disease characterized by excess stomach acid production.
In addition, it may also be used to treat patients who are at risk for aspiration of gastric contents during general anesthesia for the treatment of eradication of Helicobacter pylori bacteria in the stomach for the prevention of erosions or ulcers caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs treatment of poor digestion associated with gastric acidity.
How to use
The omeprazole capsule should be taken fasting, whole without chewing or opening:
- Duodenal ulcers: The recommended dose is 20 mg once daily before breakfast for two to four weeks.
- Gastric ulcers and reflux esophagitis: The recommended dose is 20 mg once daily before breakfast for four to eight weeks.
- Prophylaxis of duodenal ulcers and reflux esophagitis: The recommended dose is 10 mg or 20 mg before breakfast.
- Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: The dosage should be individualized in order to be given the lowest dose capable of reducing gastric secretion. The initial dosage is usually 60 mg in a single dose. Doses greater than 80 mg daily should be administered divided twice.
- Reflux esophagitis in children: For children over 1 year of age, the recommended dose is 10 mg in a single dose administered in the morning with the aid of liquid and for children over 20 kg, the recommended dose is 20 mg.
If the child has difficulty swallowing, the capsules may be opened and their contents may be mixed with a liquid such as water or fruit juice, but not in milk, and swallowed immediately.
Possible side effects
Side effects that can occur with the use of Omeprazole are usually mild and reversible and the most common are headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, candidiasis, constipation, altered taste, backache, weakness, cramps and polyuria.
When used at doses over 40 mg, continuously for more than 2 years, it can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency and dementia.
Who should not use
Omeprazole is contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity to any component of the formula.
Warnings
If you suspect or during pregnancy and breast-feeding, take Omeprazole only after medical examination to see if the benefits of the treatment outweigh the risks to the unborn child.
Drug interactions
During treatment with Omeprazole, absorption by the body of ketoconazole and itraconazole may be decreased, as well as during treatment with other acid secretion inhibitors or with antacids.
The use of Omeprazole may prolong the elimination by the body of diazepam, warfarin and phenytoin
