Omeprazole: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Omeprazole?

Omeprazole medicinal benefits

Omeprazole is a medicine to treat stomach and esophageal problems caused by stomach acid. The way omeprazole works is by reducing the levels of acid produced by the stomach / stomach.

Omeprazole is a drug that is also used to relieve symptoms of a hot stomach, difficulty swallowing, and a cough that doesn't go away. Other functions of omeprazole are to help heal acid damage in the stomach and esophagus, help prevent stomach ulcers, and can also prevent esophageal cancer.

Omeprazole is a drug that belongs to the group proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). You can also buy this drug over the counter at a pharmacy. Omeprazole can usually be used to treat heartburn heartburn which recurs every 2 or more times within one week.

Usually omeprazole does not get rid of your symptoms immediately or instantly. It can take 1-4 days for this drug to show its effect.

If you buy this drug over the counter, make sure you pay close attention to the instructions for use on the drug label. Check the medicinal ingredients on the label even though this is not your first time taking this medication, as the manufacturer may change or add some ingredients.

Omeprazole sold under different brands may contain different ingredients. That is why you always need to pay close attention and take the right medication.

What are the rules for taking omeprazole?

Read the instructions listed carefully before you take this medicine. You can also ask your doctor or pharmacist if there are things that make you confused.

Omeprazole is a drug that is taken by mouth (orally) according to a doctor's instructions, usually once a day, before meals. If you bought it without a prescription, follow the instructions on the label.

The dose given will adjust to the condition you are experiencing and how your body responds to treatment. The dosage for children is also based on factors of age and body weight.

Do not increase your dose or take this drug more frequently without your doctor's approval. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not crush, break, or chew this tablet. Swallow the tablet with a glass of water.

If needed, antacids can be taken at the same time as this medicine. If you are also being prescribed sucralfate, omeprazole is best taken at least 30 minutes in advance.

Use this medicine regularly to get its benefits. So that you don't forget, take this drug at the same time every day.

Continue to take this medication for the length of time instructed even if you feel better. If you buy this medication without a doctor's prescription, do not take it for more than 14 days unless your doctor allows it.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse. If you are self-medicating, tell your doctor if the heartburn persists after 14 days or if you have to take this medication more than once every 4 months.

If you think you have a serious health problem, seek medical help immediately.

How to store omeprazole?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Omeprazole dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of omeprazole for adults?

The recommended doses of omeprazole for adults are as follows:

• The dose of omeprazole for preventing ulcers is 20 mg orally once a day before meals, for 14 days.
• The dose of omeprazole for duodenal ulcers is 20 mg orally once a day before meals. Most patients recover within 4-8 weeks.
• The dose of omeprazole for stomach ulcers is 40 mg orally once a day before meals for 4-8 weeks.
• The dose of omeprazole for erosive esophagitis is 20 mg orally once a day before meals. This dose can be increased to 40 mg per day depending on the patient's response. Research has been conducted on the treatment and therapy of erosive esophagitis for 12 months.
• Omeprazole dose for Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: Initial dose = 60 mg orally once a day. The dosage varies according to patient needs. Maintenance dose = up to 120 mg, 3 times daily. Daily doses greater than 80 mg should be divided.
• Omeprazole dose for acid reflux: Initial dose = 20 mg orally once a day before meals for 4-8 weeks. This dose can be increased to 40 mg per day if needed. Maintenance dose = long-term treatment at a dose of 10-20 mg per day may be required for refractory disease treatment therapy and is considered safe so far.
• Omeprazole dose for multiple endocrine adenomas: Initial dose = 60 mg orally once a day before meals. This dose can be changed based on the desired response and patient tolerance. Maintenance dose = up to 120 mg, 3 times daily. Daily doses greater than 80 mg should be divided.
• Omeprazole dose for systemic mastocytosis: Initial dose = 60 mg orally once a day before meals. This dose can be changed based on the desired response and patient tolerance. Maintenance dose: up to 120 mg, 3 times a day. Daily doses greater than 80 mg should be divided.

What is the dose of omeprazole for children?

The recommended doses of omeprazole for children are as follows:

The dose of omeprazole for children under five

For acid reflux: 0.7 mg / kg / once daily dose will decrease the percentage of stomach and esophageal pH to less than 4, and reduce the number of reflux episodes in 10 neonates (meaning PMA: 36.1 weeks, (34 to 40 weeks) in trials. a higher dose was also reported, namely 1-1.5 mg / kg / day.

The dose of omeprazole for children and adolescents 1 - 16 years of age with acid reflux, gastric ulcers, and esophagitis

• Body weight 5 - 10 kg: 5 mg once a day
• Body weight 10-20 kg: 10 mg once a day
• Body weight> 20 kg: 20 mg once a day
• Alternative dosage: Children 1 - 16 years of age: 1 mg / kg / dose, once or twice per day

Additional therapeutic doses in duodenal wounds associated with Helicobacter pylori (combined with antibiotic therapy such as clarithromycin or clarithromycin and amoxicillin) in children

• Body weight 15-30 kg: 10 mg twice a day
• Body weight> 30 kg: 20 mg twice daily

Note: There is no evidence of the safety of taking omeprazole in patients younger than one year of age, as well as in children other than for the treatment of acid reflux and esophagitis.

In what dosage and preparation is this drug available?

Omeprazole is a drug that is available in capsule and liquid form:

• Capsules: 10 mg; 20 mg; 40 mg
• Liquid: 2.5 mg; 10 mg

Omeprazole side effects

What are the possible side effects of omeprazole?

Seek medical help right away if you have an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some of the potentially serious side effects of omeprazole are:

• Diarrhea that is watery or bloody
• Low magnesium levels (dizziness, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, sudden muscle movements, nervousness, muscle cramps, muscle weakness, feeling limp, coughing or feeling choked, convulsions)

Common side effects of omeprazole are:

• Fever
• Flu symptoms, such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat
• Stomach ache, pass wind
• Nausea, vomiting, mild diarrhea
• Headache

Not everyone experiences the above side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above.

If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Omeprazole?

Before using certain drugs, consider the risks and benefits first. This is a decision you and your doctor will have to make.

Some things that must be considered before using omeprazole are:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have any unusual or allergic reactions to this or any other medicine. Also tell your doctor if you have any other types of allergies such as to food, coloring, preservatives, or animal allergies.

For over-the-counter products, read the labels on the packaging carefully.

Children

Research conducted to date has not shown any problems that can hinder the effectiveness of omeprazole in children aged 1-16 years.

However, the safety and efficacy of this drug in children less than one year of age have not been established.

Elderly

Research conducted to date has not shown any problems that can hinder the effectiveness of omeprazole in elderly patients.

Is omeprazole safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using the drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

Omeprazole is a drug that falls into the category C pregnancy risk (possibly risky) according to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or the equivalent of the POM in Indonesia.

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

Omeprazole Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Omeprazole?

Although some drugs should not be taken at the same time, in other cases some drugs can also be used together even though interactions may occur.

In such cases, the doctor may change the dose, or take other preventive measures as needed. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other over-the-counter or prescription drugs.

Taking this drug with the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may not prescribe this medicine to you or will replace some of the drugs you are already taking.

• Rilpivirine

Although not recommended, to take omeprazole with the following drugs, in some cases a combination of these two drugs may be required. If so, your doctor may change the dose or determine how often you should take one of these drugs.

• Atazanavir
• Bendamustine
• Bosutinib
• Citalopram
• Clopidogrel
• Clorazepate
• Clozapine
• Dabrafenib
• Dasatinib
• Delavirdine
• Erlotinib
• Eslicarbazepine Acetate
• Indinavir
• Ketoconazole
• Ledipasvir
• Methotrexate
• Mycophenolate Mofetil
• Nelfinavir
• Nilotinib
• Pazopanib
• Saquinavir
• Tacrolimus
• Topotecan
• Vismodegib

The combination with the medicines below can increase your risk of side effects, but you may be advised to take both drugs.

If you are prescribed these two drugs at the same time, your doctor may change the dose or determine how often you should take one of these drugs.

• Armodafinil
• Carbamazepine
• Cilostazol
• Cranberry
• Digoxin
• Disulfiram
• Fluconazole
• Ginkgo Biloba
• Iron
• Levothyroxine
• Raltegravir
• St. John's Wort
• Tipranavir
• Triazolam
• Voriconazole
• Warfarin

Can food or alcohol interact with this drug?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with a healthcare professional.

What health conditions can interact with omeprazole?

Other health conditions you have can also affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• Diarrhea
• Hypomagnesemia (low magnesium in the blood), or a history
• Osteoporosis (bone problems)
• Convulsions or ever - Use with caution. This medicine may worsen your health condition
• Liver disease - Use with caution. Side effects may increase because the removal of the drug from the body will be slower

Omeprazole overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Possible symptoms of an omeprazole overdose are:

• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Blurred vision
• Heartbeat fast and fast
• Nausea
• Gag
• Sweating
• Flushed face (body feels hot)
• Headache
• Dry mouth

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.