Why is this drug prescribed?
Oral omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat erosive esophagitis and duodenal and gastric ulcers as well as the hypersecretory disorders, such as the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. In combination with other drugs, it may also be used to treat Helicobacter pylori associated with peptic ulcer disease. Omeprazole works by inhibiting gastric acid secretion.
FDA Approved Uses Short-term treatment of active duodenal and gastric ulcers
Short-term treatment of H. pylori infection together with active duodenal ulcer.
Treatment and prevention of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD).
Treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions, such as Zollinger Ellison syndrome or multiple endrocrine adenomas.
Treatment of erosive esophagitis.
Maintenance of healing of erosive esophagitis.
Most important fact about this drug
Inform your doctor before starting therapy especially if you are allergic to omeprazole.
How should you take this medication?
As directed by your doctor.
If you miss a dose
Take as soon as possible. If close to the next dose, skip dose and take the next scheduled dose. Do not double the doses.
Storage
Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature in a dry, dark place. Do not store in the bathroom. Moisture can cause the drug to break down.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects may include:
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Mild to moderate abdominal pain or discomfort
- Colic
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Skin rash
- Cloudy or bloody urine
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Sore throat or cough
- Urinary tract infection (presenting as difficult, frequent or painful urination)
- Drowsiness
- Fever
- Constipation
- Muscle pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Flatulence (gas)
Special warnings about this medication
Operating a Vehicle or Heavy Machinery
This drug may produce side effects that impair your mental alertness, such as drowsiness. Avoid such activities if you feel these symptoms.
Avoid consuming alcohol or other CNS depressants while taking this drug. They may intensify these side effects.
Recommended dosage
Short-term treatment of active duodenal ulcer
20 mg taken by mouth once per day for 4-8 weeks.
Short-term treatment of H. pylori infection together with active duodenal ulcer (dual treatment)
40 mg of omeprazole taken by mouth once per day together with 500 mg clarithromycin taken by mouth 3 times per day, for the first 14 days. Then 20 mg omeprazole taken by mouth once per day on days 15-28.
Short-term treatment of active benign gastric ulcer:
40 mg taken by mouth once per day for 4-8 weeks.
Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
20 mg taken by mouth once per day for 4-8 weeks. Although the efficacy of treatment beyond 8 weeks has not been established, another 4-8 week course of therapy may be needed.
For poorly responding symptomatic GERD, include an adequate course of a histamine H2 receptor antagonist. Although the efficacy of treatment beyond 8 weeks has not been established, another 4-8 week course of therapy may be needed.
Treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions
60 mg taken by mouth once per day, and up to 120 mg taken by mouth 3 times per day have been used. Some patients have been treated for more than 5 years.
Treatment of erosive esophagitis:
20 mg taken by mouth once per day for 4-8 weeks. Although the efficacy of treatment beyond 8 weeks has not been established, another 4-8 week course of therapy may be eeded.
Maintenance of healing of erosive esophagitis
20 mg taken by mouth once per day.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies of fetal harm in pregnant women. This drug should be used only if the benefits to the mother clearly outweigh the potential risks to the fetus. It is not known whether this drug is secreted through breast milk and its effects on infants. It is recommended not to use while you are breastfeeding. Consult your physician if you plan to breastfeed.
Overdosage
Possible overdose symptoms include
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Excessive sweating
- Headache
- Flushing
- Nausea or vomiting
- Drowsiness
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