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Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1. To treat duodenal ulcer 2. To treat gastric ulcer |
| Common Side Effect | 1. Headache 2. Stomach pain 3. Nausea 4. Diarrhea 5. Vomiting |
| Additional Information | Take this medicine 30 minutes before a meal. |
| Storage | 1. The medicine should be stored at room temperature 2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture 3. Keep away from the reach of children |
| How to Take This Medicine | The medicine should be taken orally |
Omeprazole Summary
Omeprazole GR 20 mg is a medicine that reduces stomach acid and is commonly used to treat duodenal and gastric ulcers. It works by blocking the acid-producing pump in the stomach, usually kicking in within 1–2 hours. Take it exactly as your doctor prescribes- same time every day- and don’t stop even if you feel better unless your doctor says so. Common side effects include headache, stomach pain, and nausea, but more serious symptoms like unusual tiredness, skin reactions, or vomiting blood need medical attention right away.For better healing, pair the medicine with smart lifestyle choices. Avoid things that irritate the stomach, like NSAIDs, smoking, and alcohol. Focus on a fiber-rich diet- whole grains, oats, non-acidic fruits, and veggies can really help. Skip spicy, acidic foods like tomatoes and onions, and opt for soothing herbal teas instead. Store the medicine in a cool, dry place and out of reach of kids. Missed a dose? Take it when you remember unless it’s close to the next one- then just skip it. Overdose symptoms like confusion or blurred vision need urgent care.
Omeprazole Uses
Omeprazole GR 20 mg is an oral medicine belonging to the class of proton pump inhibitor medicines. It is used for following indications:
- Duodenal ulcer
- Gastric ulcer
Direction for use
- Take omeprazole exactly as prescribed by your doctor, regularly at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking omeprazole without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
- If you forget to take the medicine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next one, then just skip it.
Omeprazole Side effect
Less Common
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Gas
More Common
- Back, leg, or stomach pain
- bleeding or crusting sores on the lips
- blisters
- bloody or cloudy urine
- chills
- continuing ulcers or sores in the mouth
- difficult, burning, or painful urination
- fever
- frequent urge to urinate
- general feeling of discomfort or illness
- itching, skin rash
- joint pain
- loss of appetite
- muscle aches or cramps
- pain
- red or irritated eyes
- redness, tenderness, itching, burning, or peeling of the skin
- sore throat
- sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips, in the mouth, or on the genitals
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- Incidence not known
- Black, tarry stools
- bleeding gums
- blindness
- blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
- bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
- blurred or decreased vision
- chest pain or tightness
- confusion
- constipation
- cough
- dark urine
- decreased urine
- difficulty swallowing
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- eye pain
- fast, racing, or uneven heartbeat
- indigestion
- large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
- light-colored stools
- lower back or side pain
- mood or mental changes
- muscle cramps in the hands, arms, feet, legs, or face
- muscle spasms (tetany) or twitching seizures
- numbness and tingling around the mouth , fingertips, or feet
- nausea
- pain or swelling in the arms or legs without any injury
- pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
- pale skin
- pinpoint red spots on the skin
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- rapid weight gain
- red skin lesions, often with a purple center
- red, irritated eyes
- seizures
- stomach pain
- swollen glands
- trembling
- unpleasant breath odor
- vomiting
- vomiting of blood
- yellow eyes or skin
How omeprazole works
Omeprazole acts like a cork in a bottle, blocking the acid-releasing gate known as the H+/K+ ATPase pump. This action reduces acid release in the stomach, with its effects typically observed within 1 to 2 hours.
Omeprazole Interaction with food products
Till now, no interaction between food and omeprazole has been observed. However, drinking alcohol along with omeprazole can reduce its effectiveness in treating ulcers, as alcohol is one of the causes of ulcers.
Storage
- The medicine should be stored at room temperature
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture
- Keep away from the reach of children
Omeprazole Chemical structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name-
6-methoxy-2-[(4-methoxy-3,5-dimethylpyridin-2-yl)methylsulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole
Intake routine/cycle
📌 Daily dose:
Take Omeprazole exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
📌 Missed Dose:
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
📌 Overdose:
An omeprazole dose greater than 2400 mg can lead to an overdose. Symptoms of overdose include blurred vision, confusion, dry mouth, flushing, headache, and increased sweating. If you experience any of these symptoms, or if someone you know who is taking omeprazole has these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Dietary and Lifestyle Management
Duodenal ulcers are caused by several factors, such as infection with H. pylori bacteria, excessive consumption of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and certain lifestyle choices like smoking, drinking excessive alcohol, and older age. While the symptoms of duodenal ulcers can be managed with medication, they can only be fully healed by changing your diet and managing your lifestyle. Below are some food items you can include in your diet to help manage duodenal ulcers:
High Fiber Foods
Foods rich in fiber help soothe and protect the stomach and intestinal lining, and they also absorb stomach acid. High-fiber foods include grains, oats, brown rice, and whole wheat bread.
Fruits and Vegetables
Choose non-acidic (non-citrus) fruits and vegetables. Avoid tomatoes, onions, garlic, and peppers, as they may irritate the ulcer. These foods can help promote faster healing of the ulcer.
Opt for Herbal Tea
Drink non-caffeinated tea and opt for herbal teas for faster healing of the ulcer.
FAQ’s
1. Will omeprazole help with gas
➡️ Omeprazole has a direct effect on reducing acid production in the stomach; however, its impact on gas or bloating is less direct.
2. Can omeprazole be given in pregnancy
➡️ Yes, omeprazole can be given during pregnancy. Although it crosses the placenta and reaches the fetus, studies have shown that it does not cause harm to the fetus. However, it should only be used under medical supervision to ensure safety for both the mother and baby.
3. Can omeprazole be taken twice a day
➡️ Yes, you can take omeprazole twice a day if prescribed by your doctor. The dosage may vary, and your doctor might recommend taking omeprazole twice or even three times a day, depending on the severity of your ulcer or condition.
4. Why is omeprazole taken before meal
➡️ Omeprazole is taken 30 minutes before a meal because, on an empty stomach, it can more easily form a protective layer over the ulcer, shielding it from the acidic stomach juices released after food enters the stomach. This helps prevent further irritation.
5. Can omeprazole be used for vomiting
➡️ Omeprazole cannot be used solely for treating vomiting; however, it can be effective in treating vomiting associated with excessive stomach acid production. It works by reducing stomach acid, which can help in cases of acid reflux or peptic ulcers that may lead to nausea and vomiting.
6. Can omeprazole cause gynecomastia
➡️ Yes, long-term use of omeprazole can cause increase in breast tissue in males, a condition known as gynecomastia.
Reference
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (US). Duodenal Ulcer [Internet]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 [cited 2024 Nov 30]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539786/
- Mayo Clinic. Omeprazole (Oral Route) [Internet]. Rochester (MN): Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2024 [cited 2024 Nov 30]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/omeprazole-oral-route/description/drg-20066836
- WebMD. Omeprazole Delayed-Release Tablet (Oral) [Internet]. WebMD LLC; 2024 [cited 2024 Nov 30]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-3766-2250/omeprazole-oral/omeprazole-delayed-release-tablet-oral/details
- Narayana Health. Peptic Ulcer Diet: What to Eat and What to Avoid [Internet]. Narayana Health; 2024 [cited 2024 Nov 30]. Available from: https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/peptic-ulcer-diet-what-to-eat-and-what-to-avoid
- HealthDirect. What Causes Duodenal Ulcers? [Internet]. HealthDirect Australia; 2024 [cited 2024 Nov 30]. Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/duodenal-ulcer#:~:text=seek%20medical%20help.-,What%20causes%20duodenal%20ulcers?,experiencing%20stress
- Consensus. Does omeprazole help with gas and bloating? [Internet]. Consensus. Available from: https://consensus.app/questions/does-omeprazole-help-with-gas-and-bloating/
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. Omeprazole: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): MedlinePlus; [updated 2021 Jul 1; cited 2024 Dec 2]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a693050.html#:~:text=Prescription%20omeprazole%20is%20usually%20taken,stomach%20produces%20too%20much%20acid.
- Drugs.com. Best time to take omeprazole: before eating or after a meal? [Internet]. Available from: https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/best-time-omeprazole-before-eat-after-meal-699560/#:~:text=Official%20answer&text=It%20is%20usually%20best%20to,omeprazole%20that%20reaches%20the%20bloodstream.
- He B, Carleton B, Etminan M. Risk of gynecomastia with users of proton pump inhibitors. Pharmacotherapy: The Journal of Human Pharmacology and Drug Therapy. 2019 May;39(5):614-8.
- Mayo Clinic. Omeprazole (Oral Route). Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/omeprazole-oral-route/description/drg-20066836
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. Omeprazole. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539786/
- Medical News Today. What to know about metformin. Medical News Today. 2019 Jul 16 [cited 2024 Dec 9]. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325840#how-it-works
