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Omeprazole

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Proton Pump Inhibitor Losec

Omeprazole - What is it for

​Omeprazole is used to treat various conditions of the gastrointestinal (stomach and intestines) tract including:

  • Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (a condition where the acid from the stomach goes back up the food tube and throat, causing pain and a burning sensation known as heartburn)
  • Ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract (treatment and prevention)

Omeprazole - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Omeprazole cause?

​Common side effects include headache, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or passing gas.

Consult your healthcare professional if the symptoms do not go away or when any unexplained or unusual symptoms occur.

Rare but serious side effects include:

  • Blood in your stool (including blackened stool) or vomit
  • Unusual symptoms such as muscle spasms (uncontrollable muscle movements), palpitations, dizziness and seizures may be a sign of low magnesium in the body.

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

  • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Before taking Omeprazole , what precautions must I follow?

​Inform your healthcare professional if:

  • You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
  • You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
  • You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies
  • You experience weight loss for no reason or are vomiting food or blood as this medication may hide the symptoms of other diseases.
  • You have watery or bloody stools that do not stop after a few days as this medication may increase your risk of diarrhoea caused by a type of bacteria called Clostridium difficile.
  • You have osteoporosis, a condition where your bones become weak or fragile, as his medication may increase your risk of bone fractures.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Omeprazole ?

​Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking or intend to take any other medication, supplements, traditional medications or herbal remedies.

This includes certain medications such as:

  • Medications used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
  • Blood thinners (e.g. warfarin, clopidogrel)
  • Anti-fungal medications (e.g. ketoconazole)
  • Drugs to treat mood (e.g. citalopram, imipramine and clomipramine)
  • Seizures (e.g. phenytoin)
  • Other medications such as digoxin, cyclosporin, methotrexate and iron salts

Omeprazole - Dosage and How to Use

How should Omeprazole be used?

  • ​Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
  • Take this medication 30 to 60 minutes before a meal. Capsules should be swallowed whole with water.
  • Contents of the capsule should not be chewed or crushed.
  • If you have swallowing difficulties, you can open the capsule and swallow the content or suspend it in a slightly acidic fluid such as fruit juice. You should drink the suspension within 30 minutes. A liquid preparation is available in some hospitals.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

​If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Skip the dose if it is too near to your next dose. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What should I do if I overdose?

Omeprazole - Handling

How should I handle Omeprazole safely?

Omeprazole - Storage

How should I store Omeprazole ?

;#Keep away from children;#Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight;#

How should I dispose of Omeprazole safely?

​Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.

Omeprazole - Additional Information

  • Updated on 9/30/2019 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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