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Omeprazole

  • If you find capsules difficult to swallow, they may be opened and the contents swallowed directly with half a glass of water, or mixed in a small amount of water/fruit juice/apple-sauce/yoghurt and taken within 30 minutes of mixing. Alternatively, you can suck your capsules and then rinse it all down with half a glass of water.
  • Dispersible tablets may be swallowed whole or mixed in a small amount of water/fruit juice/apple-sauce/yoghurt and taken within 30 minutes of mixing.
  • Avoid indigestion remedies for one hour before and two hours after taking omeprazole.

About omeprazole

Type of medicine Proton pump inhibitor
Used for Heartburn
Acid indigestion
Ulcers in the stomach and upper part of the intestine
Preventing/treating damage to the stomach and upper part of the intestine caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Ulcers caused by infection with bacteria called Helicobacter pylori
Before a hospital operation when you are to be given a general anaesthetic
Excess acid in the stomach caused by a growth in the pancreas
Also called Losec
Losec MUPS
Zanprol
Mepradec
Available as Capsules
Tablets
Injection

Omeprazole works by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach, relieving pain and helping to repair damage to the stomach lining.

Before taking omeprazole

Before taking omeprazole make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you are booked in for an endoscopy (test that looks at the inside of your digestive system).
  • If you suffer from liver problems.

How to take omeprazole

  • The strength of omeprazole you take and the length of time you take it for will depend on what condition you are suffering from.
  • If you find capsules difficult to swallow, they may be opened and the contents swallowed directly with half a glass of water, or mixed in a small amount of water/fruit juice/apple-sauce/yoghurt and taken within 30 minutes of mixing. Alternatively, you can suck your capsules and then rinse it all down with half a glass of water.
  • The contents of capsules should not be crushed or chewed.
  • Dispersible tablets may be swallowed whole or mixed in a small amount of water/fruit juice/apple-sauce/yoghurt and taken within 30 minutes of mixing.
  • Tablets should not be crushed or chewed.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Avoid indigestion remedies for one hour before and two hours after taking omeprazole.
  • Try to avoid foods that may upset your stomach such as alcohol, citrus fruits and juices, drinks containing caffeine, tomatoes or spicy food.

Can omeprazole cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. 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
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer.
Abdominal pain, diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids.
Constipation Try to eat a well-balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6 - 8 glasses of water each day.
Nausea, vomiting Eat little and often.
Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
If you are sick, drink plenty of liquid to replace lost fluids.
Flatulence If this becomes troublesome, speak to your doctor.

Other less common side effects include a dry mouth, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and swelling of the ankles.

How to store omeprazole

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Losec® Capsules, AstraZeneca, electronic Medicines Compendium. Updated April 2007, accessed 17 March 2008.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
3249		 DocRef:
dils2133		 Last Updated:
16 Aug 2007		 Date of Next Review:
15 Aug 2009		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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