Sign inBefore taking omeprazole
Before taking omeprazole make sure your doctor, dentist or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have liver problems.
- If you have any of the following symptoms: bleeding, difficulty swallowing, being sick frequently, or unexplained weight loss.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
- If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
How to take omeprazole
- Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
- Take omeprazole exactly as your doctor has told you.
- Try to take omeprazole at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses. The usual dose is once a day in the morning. However, if you are taking omeprazole for Helicobacter pylori eradication, you will be asked to take two doses a day - one in the morning and one in the evening.
- If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
- If you find capsules or tablets difficult to swallow, let your doctor know. Some omeprazole capsule and tablets can be mixed with fruit juice or yoghurt to make swallowing easier and your doctor can prescribe these for you.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Smoking increases the amount of acid produced by the stomach and will aggravate your condition. If you smoke, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about quitting.
- Try to avoid foods and drinks that may upset your stomach such as alcohol, citrus fruits/juices, drinks containing caffeine, tomatoes and spicy food.
- Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your progress can be monitored.
- If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking omeprazole.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with omeprazole.
Can omeprazole cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Feeling or being sick, stomach ache, flatulence | Eat little and often. Stick to simple or bland foods |
| Diarrhoea | Drink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids |
| Constipation | Try to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headache continues speak with your doctor |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store omeprazole
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Losec® Capsules 10mg, 20mg & 40mg, AstraZeneca UK Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated July 2010.
- Manufacturer's PIL, Losec® MUPS Tablets 10mg, 20mg & 40mg, AstraZeneca UK Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated July 2010.
- British National Formulary; 62nd Edition (Sep 2011) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)