Omeprazole

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Molecule Description

Omeprazole belongs to the group of medicines that decrease acid production in the stomach. It decreases the amount of acid that the stomach produces. It does this by blocking a system in the cells of your stomach called the proton pump. The proton pump in the stomach is crucial for acid production. The stomach makes less acid when the proton pump is blocked. This can help decrease your symptoms. Avoid spicy foods, as they can increase acidity and worsen your underlying condition. Common side effects can include headache, stomach pain, gas, nausea, or diarrhea. Most side effects are mild and temporary. If you experience severe, watery, or bloody diarrhea, or if you have new or unusual joint pain with a skin rash, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately. Long-term use of PPIs may be associated with an increased risk of bone fractures and low levels of Vitamin B12 and magnesium. Always discuss your full medical history and all current medications with your doctor before starting treatment.

Uses

Stomach ulcer
Ulcer in the first part of the intestine
Treating symptoms like heartburn, acid regurgitation associated to gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
It is also used to prevent upper gastric bleeding
A peculiar infection of the stomach called Helicobacter Pylori infection. Here it is used along with antibiotics
Excess acid production in the stomach caused by a growth in the pancreas (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)

Contraindications

When should one not use Omeprazole

If you have an allergic reaction to Omeprazole or other proton pump inhibitors
Chronic heart failure
Reduced calcium and magnesium levels
Liver diseases
If you are anti-HIV medications like Nelfinavir
If you have or are suspected of having stomach cancer

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Headache
Constipation
Diarrhea, stomach pain
Nausea, vomiting
Itching and rashes due to allergy
Breathing difficulty
Irregular heartbeat
Fatigue
Increased risk of infections on long term use
Sleep disturbance
Taste changes
Low levels of sodium in the blood (rare)
Joint pains (arthralgia) or muscle pains (myalgia)
Hair loss (alopecia) (rare)

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

There is no adequate information from the use of Omeprazole in pregnant women. If you are pregnant, you should use this medicine only if your doctor considers the benefit for you more significant than the potential risk for your unborn baby.

Breast Feeding

Omeprazole passes into breast milk. However, when taken at normal doses, it is not likely to have any harmful effects on a nursing infant. It can be used by women who are breastfeeding after consulting your doctor.

Driving

Omeprazole is not likely to affect your ability to drive. However, side effects, such as dizziness and visual disturbances, may occur. If affected, avoid driving.

Alcohol

No interaction between alcohol and Omeprazole has been reported. However, alcohol is known to increase acidity and can make your acidity worse.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

If you have liver issues
You begin to vomit food or blood while taking this medicine or you pass black stools (blood-stained faeces)
Severe diarrhea warning: it may increase your risk of severe diarrhea. If you are experiencing severe or persistent diarrhea, immediately stop taking medicine and see your doctor
Bone fractures warning: people who take several doses of a proton pump inhibitors, such as Omeprazole every day for a year or longer may have an increased risk of bone fractures
If you develop a rash on your skin, especially in areas exposed to the sun tell your doctor as soon as you can
Low magnesium levels warning: use of this medicine for three months or longer may cause low magnesium levels in your body
If you have been taking this medicine for more than a year, get your serum electrolytes and magnesium tested

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Omeprazole decreases the amount of acid which stomach produces. It does this by blocking a system in the cells of your stomach called the proton pump. The proton pump in the stomach is crucial for acid production. Stomach makes less acid as when proton pump is blocked. This can help decrease your symptoms.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines as Omeprazole may influence their effectiveness
Omeprazole may interact with medicines such as Warfarin, Clopidogrel, Digoxin, Cyclosporine, Phenytoin, Ketoconazole, Voriconazole and iron supplements
Medicines are given in HIV patients (such as Nelfinavir, Tenofovir, Atazanavir, Rilpivirine, etc.) and medicine like Methotrexate and Erlotinib are known to show interactions

Interactions with food items

There are no known interactions with food or beverages. However, nicotine, caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate and cola) and alcohol can stimulate stomach acid or delay ulcer healing and hinder the treatment process.

Dietary Restrictions

Avoid spicy foods as these are known to increase acidity and can worsen your underlying condition.

Dosage

Overdose

Overdose symptoms are confusion, drowsiness, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, sweating, flushing (sudden rush of feeling of warmth), headache, dry mouth. Seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Missed a Dose

If you missed any dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose and continue the regular dosage schedule. Do not take extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Some studies link Omeprazole to stomach cancer. It is important to share if you have any personal or family history of stomach cancer. It is also important for you to share information on the history of HIV/ AIDS, liver cirrhosis or other critical conditions that you are suffering from. Also, disclose to your doctor all the ongoing medications, supplements that you are taking.

It is recommended that you take your capsules in the morning.

You should generally take your dose once a day, at least 30 to 60 minutes before a meal, often before breakfast. Swallow the capsule or tablet whole with a glass of water. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor for specific instructions for your medication form.

Common side effects are usually mild and include headache, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Call your doctor right away if you experience severe or bloody diarrhea, new or worsening joint pain with a rash (could be a sign of lupus), signs of a low magnesium level (like muscle cramps or irregular heartbeat), or a severe allergic reaction (such as hives or swelling of the face/throat).

Omeprazole is a medicine that reduces the amount of acid in your stomach. It's used to treat conditions like heartburn, acid reflux (GERD), and stomach ulcers. You may start to feel better after one day, but it can take several days (up to 4) for the medicine to work fully and for your condition to get significantly better.

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