Omeprazole
About Omeprazole
Omeprazole belongs to the class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) primarily used to treat Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (overproduction of acid due to the pancreatic tumour). It may also be used for the treatment of gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
Omeprazole contains omeprazole, which works by inhibiting the actions of the gastric proton pump which is responsible for gastric acid secretion. Omeprazole inhibits stomach acid production and alleviates symptoms of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
Omeprazole will be administered by a healthcare professional; do not self-administer. You may experience headache, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain, flatulence, vomiting, nausea, and injection site reactions such as pain, itching, swelling or redness around the injection site. These side effects are temporary and may get resolved after some time; however, if these side effects persist or worsen, contact the doctor.
Let your doctor know if you are allergic to any of the components in Omeprazole. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or are breastfeeding. If you have pseudomembranous colitis, diarrhoea, osteoporosis, or magnesium imbalance, inform your doctor so that your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing Omeprazole. Keep your doctor informed about your present and past medical history and ongoing medicines to rule out any side effects.
Uses of Omeprazole
Medicinal Benefits
Omeprazole belongs to the class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) primarily used to treat Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (overproduction of acid due to the pancreatic tumour). It may also be used for the treatment of gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Omeprazole contains omeprazole, which works by inhibiting the actions of the gastric proton pump which is responsible for gastric acid secretion. Omeprazole inhibits stomach acid production and alleviates symptoms of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Omeprazole
- Headache
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Flatulence
Drug Warnings
Let your doctor know if you are allergic to omeprazole or any other medications or foods. If you have pseudomembranous colitis, diarrhoea, osteoporosis, magnesium imbalance, or are using certain anti-cancer medications, anti-HIV drugs, antiplatelet medications, and antidepressant medications, inform your doctor so that your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing Omeprazole. Keep your doctor informed about your present and past medical history and ongoing medicines to rule out any side effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Omeprazole may interact with anti-cancer drugs (acalabrutinib, methotrexate, belumosudil, belzutifan, dacomitinib, dasatinib, erlotinib, infigratinib, neratinib, pazopanib, pexidartinib, selpercatinib, sotorasib), anti-HIV drug (atazanavir, nelfinavir, rilpivirine), antiplatelet medications (cilostazol, clopidogrel), antidepressants (citalopram), medicines used to treat a certain heart problem (mavacamten), and immunosuppressants (tacrolimus).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Caution should be exercised while using Omeprazole in patients with pseudomembranous colitis, diarrhoea, bone fractures or osteoporosis, and magnesium imbalance.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionDrinking alcohol with Omeprazole may cause dehydration and increase the gastric acid in your stomach, reducing its efficiency. So, try to avoid or limit the consumption of alcohol.
Pregnancy
safe if prescribedOmeprazole is safe to take during pregnancy. No reported interactions were found or established.
Breast Feeding
safe if prescribedOmeprazole is excreted in breast milk, but therapeutic doses are unlikely to affect the child.
Driving
safe if prescribedOmeprazole is unlikely to impair your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
safe if prescribedOmeprazole is probably safe. No reported interactions were found or established.
Kidney
safe if prescribedOmeprazole is probably safe. No reported interactions were found or established.
Children
unsafeIt is recommended not to use Omeprazole in children as there is limited information.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a healthy weight by eating well.
- Avoid foods that can aggravate your symptoms, such as rich, spicy, and fatty foods, as well as acidic foods like tomatoes, citrus fruits, salad dressings, and fizzy drinks.
- Reduce your intake of caffeinated beverages such as tea, coffee, and cola.
- If you have symptoms at night, try not to eat for at least 3 hours before going to bed.
- Cut down the consumption of alcohol.
- Quitting smoking is the best strategy for avoiding many health complications.
- When you go to bed, raise your head and shoulders using a pillow to prevent stomach acid from flowing back.
- Avoid prolonged sitting because it can increase stomach acid production. Try to take a 5-minute break every hour by moderate walking or stretching.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a rare condition in which tumours form in the pancreas (organ present near the abdomen and produces enzymes for digestion) or duodenum (first section of the small intestine) and lead to an increase in the production of stomach acid. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and weight loss.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the food pipe (oesophagus). This backflow (acid reflux) irritates the food pipe and causes heartburn. Symptoms include heartburn, sour or bitter taste in the mouth, and difficulty swallowing.
Gastric/duodenal ulcer: It is a painful condition followed by the development of sores or ulcers in the duodenum or stomach lining.
FAQs
Omeprazole belongs to the class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) primarily used to treat Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (overproduction of acid due to the pancreatic tumour). It may also be used for the treatment of gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
Omeprazole works by inhibiting the actions of the gastric proton pump responsible for gastric acid secretion. Omeprazole inhibits stomach acid production and alleviates symptoms of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
Prolonged intake of Omeprazole may weaken the bones and lower haemoglobin levels. Your doctor may prescribe Vitamin B-12 for enhancing haemoglobin and calcium/vitamin D/magnesium supplements for bone health.
Omeprazole is not prescribed for stomach cancer. Please discuss with the doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
No. Gas and acidity are two different discomforts. Acidity is caused due to improper functioning of the sphincter (valve located at the junction of the stomach and food pipe). As a result, stomach acid backflows and enters the food pipe's upper part, causing heartburn. On the other hand, gas is the result of the digestion of food and drinks, eliminating gases like carbon dioxide, hydrogen, nitrogen, methane, etc., from the body.
Yes. Omeprazole can alter certain medical tests like neuroendocrine tumours (secretin stimulation test) and urine screening tests for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). So before undergoing such a diagnostics test, contact your doctor.
No. Omeprazole prevents excess production of stomach acid, causing acid reflux and heartburn. If you find blood in your stool or mucous, immediately contact the doctor.
