Omeprazole is a medicine that helps treat heartburn and indigestion. It belongs to a group of medicines called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). It works by reducing the amount of acid in your stomach. The way omeprazole works are similar to other PPIs, such as lansoprazole and pantoprazole. You’ll usually take it at night before bedtime with or without food. Before reading the article you can check out this “AlbenPure”, an online-based pharma company that recently launched “Albendazole Capsules”. Or you can also check out “buy albendazole powder”. However, let’s begin by diving into our main blog topic.
How omeprazole works
Omeprazole is an acid-suppressing medicine. It reduces the amount of acid produced in your stomach. This can help to treat heartburn and indigestion, as well as ulcers caused by excessive stomach acid (gastric ulcers).
Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). PPIs work by blocking the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme system that pumps hydrogen ions across the stomach lining. This results in decreased secretion of hydrochloric acid, which helps to heal peptic ulcers by reducing irritation of the lining of your esophagus and stomach.
Omeprazole is also used to treat reflux esophagitis, a condition in which the food pipe (esophagus) lining becomes inflamed and irritated as a result of acid backflow from the stomach. It can also be used to treat ulcers caused by infections with bacteria called Helicobacter pylori
Side effects
Common side effects:
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache, dizziness, or lightheadedness (especially when you stand up)
If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Also tell your doctor if you have any serious side effects, including Allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); changes in your vision (including blurred vision); changes in sexual function (for example, erectile dysfunction), decreased sexual ability.
Other serious side effects include Seizures; blood in your urine or stools; signs of kidney problems (such as a change in the amount of urine, pain on urination); severe muscle weakness or fatigue; severe or persistent nausea and vomiting. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these serious side effects.
Interactions with other medicine
Omeprazole can interact with other medicines. It is important to tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription drugs as well as herbal remedies and vitamins.
Omeprazole comes in different forms including tablets, capsules, or powder for mixing with water. You can buy omeprazole over the counter in some countries but must be prescribed by a doctor in others.
Dosage
The dosage of omeprazole depends on your age and weight. Your doctor will determine the correct dose for you.
- Mild to moderate symptoms: 20 mg twice daily for up to 8 weeks
- Severe or persistent symptoms: 40 mg once daily or 20 mg twice daily for up to 8 weeks
Omeprazole and pregnancy
Omeprazole is classified as a pregnancy category B medicine. This means that it’s not known to cause any problems if you’re pregnant, but as with all medicines, it’s up to your doctor to decide whether it’s safe for you to take during pregnancy.
When omeprazole is taken in pregnancy, the risk of harm is considered low and the benefits of taking it outweigh any potential risks.
It’s important for your doctor and pharmacist to know if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy before prescribing or dispensing omeprazole. The active ingredient in this medicine can pass into breast milk so it may affect your baby if you are breastfeeding. If you need an antacid/proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication while breastfeeding, consider switching from omeprazole back onto ranitidine (brand name Zantac).
Omeprazole is an effective medicine for treating stomach acid-related illnesses
Omeprazole is an effective medicine for treating stomach acid-related illnesses. Omeprazole reduces the amount of acid that your stomach produces, and this helps to relieve heartburn and other symptoms of indigestion. The most common side effects of omeprazole are headache, diarrhea, nausea, gas or bloating.
Conclusion
Omeprazole is a medicine that can be used to treat heartburn and indigestion. It works by reducing the level of acid in your stomach, which helps you feel better. It is available over-the-counter (without a prescription) as well as by prescription. If you are considering using omeprazole or any other medication, talk to your doctor first.