Omeprazole is used to treat conditions caused by excessive acidity in your stomach, such as ulcers in the stomach or duodenum (upper portion of the small intestine), reflux disease (also known as "heartburn", a burning pain in your chest caused by food or acid from your stomach that backs up into your mouth) and hypersecretory conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (tumour growth in the pancreas or upper part of the small intestine which causes secretion of too much stomach acid).
This medicine can also be used in the treatment or prevention of stomach ulcers associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation).
Omeprazole treats these conditions by reducing the amount of acid your stomach makes.
This medicine may also be used together with other medicines to treat a specific type of gastric problem caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacteria.
Omeprazole may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Omeprazole exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you should take this medicine with or without food. Different brands of this medicine may be taken differently.
Try to take it at the same time each day.
Omeprazole is available as a gastro-resistant tablet or capsule, delayed-release tablet or capsule, orally disintegrating tablet, and granules or powder for oral suspension.
If you are taking the gastro-resistant type of tablet or capsule, swallow it whole with a half glass of water. Do not chew or crush the tablet or capsule. If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet or capsule, you may break the tablet or open the capsule then disperse the contents in a spoonful of non-carbonated water or mix it with fruit juice or applesauce. Swallow the mixture immediately.
If you are taking the delayed-release type of tablet, swallow it whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, crush or suck the tablet.
If you are taking the delayed-release type of capsule, swallow it whole with a glass of water. Do not chew or crush the capsule. If you have difficulty swallowing the capsule, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the intact granules on 1 tablespoon of applesauce. Swallow the mixture immediately.
If you are taking the orally disintegrating tablet, place it directly on your tongue as soon as the orally disintegrating tablet is taken out of the foil. Allow it to disintegrate until the particles can be swallowed with or without water. Do not cut, break or crush the orally disintegrating tablet.
If you are taking the granules for oral suspension, empty the contents of the packet into a container containing the specified amount of water indicated on the label. Stir the mixture and leave it for 2-3 minutes to thicken, then stir and drink within 30 minutes. If any contents remain after consuming, add more water and drink immediately.
If you are taking the powder for oral suspension, tap or invert the bottle to loosen the dry powder and add the specified volume of water to reconstitute the suspension. Shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon, cup or oral syringe provided to measure your dose. Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist on how to take the oral suspension using an oral syringe.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Omeprazole must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Omeprazole with nelfinavir or rilpivirine (medicines for HIV infection).
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of bones)
- cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) deficiency
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Omeprazole to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If your gastric problem seems to be getting worse, let your doctor know.
If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. test to detect neuroendocrine tumours), inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
Some genetic traits can affect Omeprazole's efficacy. Individuals who are ultrarapid and rapid metabolisers of CYP2C19 may respond poorer to this medicine and may require dose adjustment. Individuals who are poor CYP2C19 metabolisers may experience enhanced effects of Omeprazole. Although not routinely done, your doctor may advise you to undergo genetic testing to check if this medicine is best suited for you. If you know you have this gene type, inform your doctor.
For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have regular blood tests (e.g. magnesium level) to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.
Omeprazole may cause dizziness or visual disturbances. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach wind, constipation, stomach pain, and back pain.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
- severe stomach pain or cramps, watery or bloody stools, severe diarrhoea
- muscle spasms, weakness, fits or seizures, abnormal heartbeat
- pain or difficulty in passing urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Omeprazole with nelfinavir or rilpivirine (medicines for HIV infection).
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- water pills or medicines for water retention
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. clopidogrel, warfarin
- tacrolimus (medicine used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders)
- medicines for cancer e.g. erlotinib, methotrexate
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole
- diazepam (medicine for anxiety or sleep disorder)
- phenytoin (medicine for epilepsy [fits or seizures])
- digoxin (medicine for heart disease)
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB [an infection known as tuberculosis])
- St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Omeprazole.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Do not eat raw food or food that is not cooked thoroughly, such as sushi and soft-boiled eggs. Meat should be cooked until well-done. Do not take unpasteurised whole milk, cheese or fruit juices. Spicy food and carbonated "fizzy" drinks like soft drinks should also be avoided.
Eat small but frequent meals as large single meals may increase the pressure in your stomach leading to reflux.
You should try to avoid lying down soon after eating as this may worsen reflux symptoms.
It may be helpful to discuss your diet with your doctor or dietitian as a change in diet may help improve your symptoms.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light and moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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