Omeprazole Warnings, Uses, Dosage & Side Effects Omeprazole
Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor, or PPI, which works by decreasing the amount of acid produced by the stomach. It can be used to treat stomach and esophagus problems, and provide relief for heartburn and trouble swallowing when there is too much acid in the stomach. In this 3-minute article we discuss the uses, side effects, and dosage of omeprazole. We also answer the questions what is omeprazole and how does omeprazole work?
What Is Omeprazole?
Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor, or PPI, which works by decreasing the amount of acid produced by the stomach. It can be used to treat a variety of stomach conditions such as dyspepsia, in addition to more serious conditions such as upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding.
Uses Of Omeprazole
Omeprazole is used to treat certain stomach and esophagus problems, as well as conditions where there is too much acid in the stomach. It can relieve certain symptoms such as heartburn, persistent cough, and trouble swallowing. Omeprazole can treat Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a condition where the stomach produces too much acid, and dyspepsia, which causes heartburn, stomach pain, and ingestion.
How Does Omeprazole Work?
Omeprazole belongs to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. A class of drugs is a group of medications that function in a similar way.
Omeprazole works by decreasing the amount of acid produced by the stomach. It does this by inhibiting the proton pump in your body. The proton pump works in the final step of acid production.
Omeprazole Dosage
It is important to take omeprazole under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Your dosage of omeprazole may depend on a number of things including:
- Your age
- Your weight
- How severe your condition is
- Strength of omeprazole
- Number of doses per day
Oral Dosage Capsules and Tablets
Dosage of oral capsules and tablets of omeprazole for the following conditions is as follows.
To Treat Duodenal Ulcers
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Adults: 20mg once per day before a meal.
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Children: Use and dose must be determined by a doctor.
To Treat Erosive Esophagitis
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Adults: 20 or 40mg one, two, or three times a day before a meal.
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Children: Use and dose must be determined by a doctor.
To Treat Gastric Ulcers
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Adults: 40mg once a day before a meal.
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Children: Use and dose must be determined by a doctor.
To Treat Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
- Adults: 60mg once a day before a meal.
- Children; Use and dose must be determined by a doctor.
Oral Dosage Powder for Suspension
Dosage of omeprazole powder for suspension for the following illnesses.
To Prevent Gastrointestinal Tract Bleeding
- Adults: The first day take 40mg as a first dose, then after 6-8 hours, 40mg once a day for up to 14 days.
- Children: Use and dose must be determined by a doctor.
To Treat Gastric Ulcers
- Adults: 40mg once a day for 4 to 8 weeks.
- Children: Use and dose must be determined by a doctor.
To Treat Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- Adults: 20mg once a day for 4 to 8 weeks
- Children: Use and dose must be determined by a doctor.
Side Effects of Omeprazole
Omeprazole does have potential side effects, some of which are more serious than others.
Common Side Effects of Omeprazole
Common side effects of omeprazole include:
- Constipation
- Gas
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
If mild, many of these side effects should go away within a few days.
Serious Side Effects of Omeprazole
Contact your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms. More serious side effects of omeprazole may include:
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, eyes, lips, hands, feet, or ankles
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Dizziness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Muscle spasms
- Lightheadedness
- Seizures
- Rash on cheeks or arms
- Severe diarrhea
Omeprazole Warnings
Omeprazole comes with a number of warnings which may increase or worsen symptoms. Ask your doctor about these warnings before taking omeprazole.
Severe Diarrhea Warning:
Taking omeprazole may cause severe diarrhea. This may be caused by an infection in your intestine known as Clostridium difficile. Call your doctor right away if you experience severe diarrhea, watery diarrhea, or intense stomach pain.
Bone Fracture Warning
People who take large doses of proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole, may have an increased risk for bone fractures and breaks. These fractures are most likely to happen in your wrist, hip, or spine.
Low Magnesium Levels Warning
Taking omeprazole for three months or longer can decrease magnesium levels in your body. Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of low magnesium including seizures, irregular heartbeat, shaking, or muscle weakness.
Omeprazole Interactions
It is not advisable to take omeprazole at the same time as any of the following medications:
- Citostazol
- Clopidogrel
- Methotrexate
- Rafimpin
Uses, Dosage, Warnings & Side Effects of Omeprazole
Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor which works by decreasing the amount of acid produced by the stomach.
It can be used to treat certain conditions of the stomach and esophagus, as well as relieve symptoms such as heartburn, persistent cough, and trouble swallowing. Omeprazole can also treat dyspepsia and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
