Why is this drug prescribed?

Oral omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat erosive esophagitis and duodenal and gastric ulcers as well as the hypersecretory disorders, such as the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. In combination with other drugs, it may also be used to treat Helicobacter pylori associated with peptic ulcer disease. Omeprazole works by inhibiting gastric acid secretion.

FDA Approved Uses

• Short-term treatment of active duodenal and gastric ulcers
• Short-term treatment of H. pylori infection together with active duodenal ulcer
• Treatment and prevention of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
• Treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions, such as Zollinger Ellison syndrome or multiple endrocrine adenomas
• Treatment of erosive esophagitis
• Maintenance of healing of erosive esophagitis

Most important fact about this drug

Any of the following may be reason to choose a different drug. Inform your doctor before starting therapy. Allergic to omeprazole

How should you take this medication?

As directed by your doctor.

If you miss a dose

Take as soon as possible. If close to the next dose, skip dose and take the next scheduled dose. Do not double the doses

Storage

Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature in a dry, dark place. Do not store in the bathroom. Moisture can cause the drug to break down.

Side Effects

Common Symptoms

• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Mild to moderate abdominal pain or discomfort
• Colic

Less Common to Rare Symptoms Dizziness

• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Skin rash
• Cloudy or bloody urine
• Weakness or unusual tiredness
• Sore throat or cough
• Urinary tract infection (presenting as difficult, frequent or painful urination)
• Drowsiness
• Fever
• Constipation
• Muscle pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Flatulence (gas)

Special warnings about this medication

Operating a Vehicle or Heavy Machinery

This drug may produce side effects that impair your mental alertness, such as drowsiness. Avoid such activities if you feel these symptoms. Avoid consuming alcohol or other CNS depressants while taking this drug. They may intensify these side effects.

Recommended dosage

Short-term treatment of active duodenal ulcer: 20 mg taken by mouth once per day for 4-8 weeks.

Short-term treatment of H. pylori infection together with active duodenal ulcer (dual treatment): 40 mg of omeprazole taken by mouth once per day together with 500 mg clarithromycin taken by mouth 3 times per day, for the first 14 days. Then 20 mg omeprazole taken by mouth once per day on days 15-28.

Short-term treatment of active benign gastric ulcer: 40 mg taken by mouth once per day for 4-8 weeks.

Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD): 20 mg taken by mouth once per day for 4-8 weeks. Although the efficacy of treatment beyond 8 weeks has not been established, another 4-8 week course of therapy may be needed.

For poorly responding symptomatic GERD, include an adequate course of a histamine H2 receptor antagonist. Although the efficacy of treatment beyond 8 weeks has not been established, another 4-8 week course of therapy may be needed.

Treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions: 60 mg taken by mouth once per day, and up to 120 mg taken by mouth 3 times per day have been used. Some patients have been treated for more than 5 years.

Treatment of erosive esophagitis: 20 mg taken by mouth once per day for 4-8 weeks. Although the efficacy of treatment beyond 8 weeks has not been established, another 4-8 week course of therapy may be eeded.

Maintenance of healing of erosive esophagitis: 20 mg taken by mouth once per day.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies of fetal harm in pregnant women. This drug should be used only if the benefits to the mother clearly outweigh the potential risks to the fetus. It is not known whether this drug is secreted through breast milk and its effects on infants. It is recommended not to use while you are breastfeeding. Consult your physician if you plan to breastfeed.

Overdosage

Possible overdose symptoms include

• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Excessive sweating
• Headache
• Flushing
• Nausea or vomiting
• Drowsiness