Omeprazole

Omeprazole is a proton-pump inhibitor that is prescribed to treat conditions associated with a high level of stomach acid, such as heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion.

Doctors may also prescribe this medicine to heal and prevent peptic ulcers (painful sores in the stomach), and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a rare condition that causes the stomach to produce too much acid. Additionally, Omeprazole can be prescribed together with certain antibiotics to treat stomach infections caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacteria.

Omeprazole is also the active ingredient in the branded medicines Losec and Pyrocalm. While these medicines contain the same active ingredient, they differ in the name, cost, and some added ingredients.

Omeprazole belongs to a class of medications called ‘proton pump inhibitors’. The lining of the stomach has cells that contain proton pumps. These are enzymes responsible for releasing acid into the stomach to help digest food. Sometimes, these pumps can produce too much stomach acid which can cause uncomfortable symptoms. Omeprazole binds to these proton pumps and blocks them. This reduces overall stomach acidity.

By lowering stomach acid levels, Omeprazole relieves symptoms of acid reflux, heartburn, and stomach ulcers. It also protects the stomach lining, allowing it to heal.

Other than relieving the symptoms of acid reflux, Omeprazole offers many benefits, such as:

• Long-lasting 24-hour relief with a single daily dose.
• Protection against stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding, especially when using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen.
• Comes in different strengths for tailored dosing.

Omeprazole has been proven to be very effective in treating symptoms of heartburn in studies.

In a clinical trial involving 355 patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), the effectiveness of Omeprazole 20 mg and 10 mg doses was compared to a placebo. Participants were divided into three groups, each receiving one of the treatments over a 4-week period.

The results showed that 62% of patients taking Omeprazole 20 mg experienced no heartburn symptoms at day 7, compared to 41% of patients taking Omeprazole 10 mg and 14% of patients taking the placebo.

This study showed that a daily dose of Omeprazole 20mg was more effective than both Omeprazole 10mg and placebo in quickly and consistently reducing heartburn and other GORD symptoms.

Omeprazole can be used for a variety of conditions however, it may not be suitable for certain groups of people.

Who can use this medicine?

At euroClinix, our doctors are able to prescribe this medication to adults who experience chronic acid reflux.

Who cannot use this medicine?

Do not use Omeprazole if you are allergic to proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, esomeprazole, esomeprazole), or any of the other ingredients in this medicine.

Similarly to other proton pump inhibitors, Omeprazole should not be used together with the antiretroviral medicines used to treat HIV (e.g., nelfinavir, atazanavir).

You should also tell your doctor if you:

• have severe liver or kidney problems.
• have experienced an adverse skin reaction to treatments that reduce stomach acid in the past.
• are due to have a Chromogranin A test.
• have a vitamin B12 deficiency or take vitamin B12 supplements.
• have low magnesium levels.

Omeprazole is available in multiple dosages, including 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg strengths. It is also available as tablets, capsules, an oral suspension, and a powder for infusion.

At euroClinix, we currently offer Omeprazole capsules in 10 mg and 20 mg strengths.

Always make sure to take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. If you are unsure, check with your doctor.

How to take it

To treat gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, the recommended dose is one 20 mg capsule daily for 4 or 8 weeks. Your dosage may vary depending on how severe your symptoms are. 10 mg is intended for less frequent or less severe symptoms.

To take this medicine correctly, follow these instructions:

• Take one capsule once daily in the morning. The capsules should be swallowed whole with half a glass of water.
• You can take the capsules with food or on an empty stomach.
• Do not crush or chew the capsules, as it will reduce the effectiveness of the medication.

If you have trouble swallowing the capsules, you can open the capsule and pour the contents into a glass of still water, acidic fruit juice (e.g., apple, orange, or pineapple), or apple sauce. Make sure to stir the mixture prior to drinking it (it should be taken immediately or within 30 minutes of making the mixture). To make sure you have taken the full dose of the medicine, rinse the glass with a little water and drink it.

For further information, consult the patient information leaflet.

When to take it

Omeprazole is usually taken once daily, first thing in the morning. As it doesn’t affect your stomach, you can choose to take it with or without food.

How long do I take it for?

The duration of treatment depends on the condition being treated. Omeprazole is often taken short-term, generally for 4 to 8 weeks, for acid reflux and certain types of ulcers. However, for chronic conditions, patients may need to take it for longer.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

Forgetting a dose isn’t a cause for concern. Simply take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

For acid reflux, most people will begin to feel better after 2 to 3 days of treatment; however, it can take up to four weeks to see the full effects of this medicine. Some patients may still experience some acid reflux symptoms during this time.

Making lifestyle changes while taking Omeprazole can help to improve its effectiveness as well as minimise symptoms of acid reflux. Consider doing the following:

Like all medicines, Omeprazole may cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

Common side effects

Uncommon side effects

Rare side effects

If you develop more serious side effects, such as an allergic reaction, stop taking these capsules and contact your doctor immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:

• Sudden wheezing
• Swelling of the lips, tongue and throat
• Trouble swallowing

A complete list of side effects can be found in the patient information leaflet.

Omeprazole has the potential to interact with several medicines. It is important that you tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• Ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole or voriconazole (used to treat fungal infections)
• Digoxin (for heart problems)
• Diazepam (for treating anxiety, or epilepsy)
• Phenytoin (for epilepsy)
• Warfarin or other vitamin K blockers (used to thin the blood)
• Rifampicin (for tuberculosis)
• Atazanavir, Saquinavir and Nelfinavir (used to treat HIV infections)
• Tacrolimus (for organ transplants)
• St John’s wort (used to treat mild depression)
• Cilostazol (for intermittent claudication)
• Clopidogrel (used to prevent blood clots (thrombi))
• Erlotinib (used to treat cancer)
• Methotrexate (for inflammatory conditions)

For a full list of potential interactions, please visit the Pantoprazole interactions checker on the BNF website.

For more information, refer to the safety information table below:

How to store

Make sure to keep this medicine in its original packaging and do not store it above 25°C. Keep it protected from excessive light and moisture.

Disposal

Take any unused or expired medicines to your nearest pharmacy to ensure they are disposed of safely. Do not throw away any medicines in your household waste or flush them down the toilet.

Yes, you can buy Omeprazole 20 mg tablets over the counter without a prescription. However, the 10 mg, 20 mg and 40 mg capsules require a prescription from a doctor. Our doctors will issue a prescription if they believe Omeprazole is suitable for you. They will check for drug interactions, and your other medical conditions.

You can buy Omeprazole 10 mg and 20 mg capsules online from euroClinix.

Follow these simple steps:

1. Complete a quick online consultation to check your eligibility.
2. UK-registered doctors review your responses to ensure the medication is right for you.
3. Upon approval, an e-prescription will be issued.
4. Enjoy free delivery from our licensed pharmacy with tracking details.

Your privacy is our top priority. euroClinix uses secure, encrypted transactions and complies with UK’s medical standards to keep your information confidential.

Start your online consultation today to enjoy professional care from the comfort of your home.

euroClinix is trusted by thousands of users in the UK for its safe and convenient service. Here’s why:

• Experienced doctors manage your consultations and prescriptions.
• Online consultations, quick approvals, and discreet doorstep delivery add to the convenience.
• A supportive team is on hand to answer treatment-related questions or concerns.
• Patients can manage their prescriptions hassle-free through our secure platform.

Join thousands who trust euroClinix for their healthcare needs and take control of your health today.

The price of Omeprazole at euroClinix includes everything you need:

• Free online consultation with our experienced doctors
• Free prescription, if approved
• Free delivery straight to your door

Our pricing is transparent, with no hidden fees. Order today and benefit from our complete, all-inclusive service.

If this medicine is not right for you, we have other options. These include Nexium, Rabeprazole, Pantoprazole, and Lansoprazole. These are also PPIs and work in a similar way to Omeprazole.