Omeprazole Fact Card
Omeprazole is a type of medicine that reduces the amount of acid your stomach produces.
| Brands | Losec, Prilosec, Zegerid |
| Used For | to reduce acid in the stomach with can treat gastritis(inflammation of the stomach), reflux and stomach ulceration. |
| Doseage | It is usual prescribed dose is 20mg-40mg per day. However, it is available over the counter at a dose of 10mg |
| Side Effects | Tummy upset, bloating, excessive wind(flatulence), vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and headaches |
| Warnings | |
| Pregnancy | It is not known to be harmful in pregnancy |
Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor which is a type of medicine that reduces the amount of acid your stomach produces.
What is Omeprazole used to treat?
It is used to treat gastric or duodenal ulcers, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, helicobacter pylori infection, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and acid related dyspepsia
How does Omeprazole work?
Omeprazole reduces acid production in your stomach.
Acid is produced in your stomach to help with the digestion of food and to kill bacteria. The acid in the stomach is produced by a proton pump. Because of the acid environment in the stomach, the body produces a mucous barrier which lines the stomach and acts as a protective layer. If this barrier breaks down, the acid can damage the stomach wall and cause pain and discomfort in the stomach.
Some people may have leaky valve, which is the band at the top of the stomach and beneath the food pipe, which seals the stomach closed. When this leaks acid can escape from the stomach and irritate the foodpipe causing heartburn.
How do I take Omeprazole?
The recommended dose of Omeprazole is 20mg- 40mg a day.
However this can vary according to the severity of your condition and your medical history
It is best to check the product labelling and discuss your medication with your doctor.
Side effects of Omeprazole
Common side effects are tummy upset, bloating, excessive wind(flatulence), vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and headaches
Things to avoid
Omeprazole and alcohol
Avoid taking with alcohol
Can I take Omeprazole when pregnant?
It is not known to be harmful in pregnancy
Omeprazole and breastfeeding
It is present in breast milk but not known to be harmful
Our doctors are available now and can issue same day prescriptions for all standard medications. To see a GP regarding a prescription for omeprazole or for any other reason book an appointment now and start feeling better right away.