Omeprazole

What is Omeprazole for?

Omeprazole is used to treat various conditions of the gastrointestinal (stomach and intestines) tract including:

• Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (a condition where the acid from the stomach goes back up the food tube and throat, causing pain and a burning sensation known as heartburn)
• Ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract (treatment and prevention)

You can also find out about this medication by watching these videos:
They are available in English, 中文, Melayu and தமிழ்: Omeprazole

How should I take or use Omeprazole?

Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.

• Take this medication 30 to 60 minutes before a meal. Capsules should be swallowed whole with water.
• Contents of the capsule should not be chewed or crushed.
• If you have swallowing difficulties, the capsule can be opened and the contents swallowed or suspended in a slightly acidic fluid e.g. fruit juice. The suspension should then be taken within 30 minutes. Alternatively you can open the capsule and swallow the contents.
• A liquid preparation is available in some hospitals.

What should I do if I forget to take or use Omeprazole?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using Omeprazole?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
• If symptoms (including abdominal pain) persist despite taking this medicine or you develop bloody stool (including blackened stool) or vomit.
• This medication may hide the symptoms of other diseases. Inform your healthcare professional if you experience weight loss for no reason or are vomiting food or blood.
• This medication may cause the level of magnesium in your body to decrease if you use it for long duration. Inform your healthcare professional if you experience muscle cramps, dizziness or shaking.
• This medication may increase your risk of diarrhoea caused by a type of bacteria called Clostridium difficile. Inform your healthcare professional if you have watery or bloody stools that do not stop after a few days.
• This medication may increase your risk of bone fractures if you have osteoporosis, a condition where your bones become weak or fragile.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use Omeprazole?

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking or intend to take any other medication, supplements, traditional medications or herbal remedies.

This includes:

• Medicines which may be used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
• Certain blood thinners (e.g. warfarin, clopidogrel).
• Certain anti-fungal medicines (e.g. ketoconazole).
• Certain drugs to treat mood (e.g. citalopram, imipramine and clomipramine).
• Certain drugs to treat seizures (e.g. phenytoin) .
• Other medicines such as digoxin, cyclosporin, methotrexate and iron salts.

What are some common side effects of Omeprazole?

Side effects of omeprazole include headaches, gastrointestinal side effects (e.g. abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting and wind).

• If persistent please consult your healthcare professional.

What are some rare but serious side effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body.

Furthermore, unusual symptoms such as muscle spasms (tetany), palpitations, dizziness and seizures may be a sign of low magnesium in the body.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medicine and see your healthcare professional immediately.

You can also find out about drug allergies by watching these videos:
They are available in English, 中文, Melayu and தமிழ்: Drug Allergies

How should I store Omeprazole?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away Omeprazole safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.

What else should I know about Omeprazole?

The length of treatment with omeprazole depends on your condition and how well you respond to the medication.

For heartburn and reflux symptoms:

· Most people experience relief within the first few days to weeks of starting omeprazole. Your doctor will usually prescribe this medication for 4-8 weeks initially to allow healing.

For ulcer treatment:

· Treatment typically lasts 4-8 weeks, depending on the type and severity of the ulcer.

Some people may need to stay on omeprazole for a long time to manage their condition, whilst others may only need this medication for a short period.

Do not stop taking or change your dose without checking with your healthcare professional. If you have been taking omeprazole for more than a few months, discuss with your healthcare professional whether you still need it. This ensures the medication remains suitable and beneficial for you.

Important reminders:

• If your healthcare professional suggests reducing the dose, this may be done gradually to minimise the return of symptoms.

• It is normal for some people to experience temporary return of symptoms when stopping or lowering the dose - this usually improves within a few weeks.

• During this time, your healthcare professional may suggest lifestyle measures such as avoiding triggers (spicy, citrus, fatty or fried foods), eating smaller meals, or using antacids for temporary relief.

• Keep track of your symptoms and inform your healthcare professional of any changes.