Omeprazole

OMEPRAZOLE (Generic Name)

Also called Losectil or Seclo

(Chemical formula: C17H19N3O3S)




About


Omeprazole is used to treat duodenal and benign gastric ulcer (whether associated with Helicobacter pylori or not), gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), NSAID-associated duodenal or gastric ulcer, gastroduodenal erosions and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.



Omeprazole is also called Losectil or Seclo.



Omeprazole is a proton-pump inhibitor which inhibits the secretion of gastric juices and works in a similar way to Rabeprazole (Aciphex, Pariet).



It has been found also be effective in conjunction with antibiotics in the treatment of ulcers caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.





Dosages



For healing of GERD – 20mg to be taken once daily for 4-8 weeks.

For benign gastric ulcer - 40mg to be taken daily in the morning for 4-8 weeks.

For long term management of acid-reflux disease take 10mg daily, increasing the dose to 20mg as and when symptoms return.

For duodenal ulcer – 20mg to be taken daily after the morning meal for up to 4 weeks. For maintenance for recurrent cases take 20mg daily. For prevention of relapse take 10mg daily increasing to 20mg daily if symptoms return.

For NSAID associated duodenal or gastric ulcer and gastroduodenal erosions, take 20mg daily for 4-8 weeks. In order to prevent recurrence in individuals continuing to take NSAIDs take 20mg once daily.

For Zollinger-Ellison syndrome – Initially 60mg once daily. However, different individuals respond differently to Rabeprazole and the dose may be adjusted up or down accordingly up to a maximum of 120mg daily, which may be split into two equal doses daily.

For individuals with gastric ulcer and Helicobacter pylori infection – Rabeprazole

is usually combined with antibiotic treatment using two different antibiotics, namely Amoxicillin (1000mg to be taken twice daily for 10 days) and Clarithromycin (500mg to be taken twice daily for 10 days). If you are following this treatment it is very important to take the antibiotics for a full 10 days. After cessation of this combined therapy, take 20mg Omeprazole alone once daily for a further 18 days.



Omeprazole should be taken before eating. They should be taken whole, rather than crushed or chewed. For individuals who have difficulty in swallowing the contents of Omeprazole capsules can be sprinkled on apple sauce and taken that way.



Do not use the combined Omeprazole//Clarimomycin treatment if you are allergic to penicillin or other macrolide antibiotic. (also see separate description for Amoxicillin and Clarithromycin for side effects and precautions for these drugs. Clarithromycin should not be taken by pregnant women.



Omeprazole is not recommended for children (without the supervision of a doctor), nursing mothers or in pregnancy.



Store this medication at 15-300 away from light and moisture.



Side Effects


Omeprazole (Losec) is well tolerated in the vast majority of individuals, both in the short and long term.



The most common side effects are headache (2.4% as opposed to 1.6% in those taking a placebo) nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, constipation, headache and dizziness.



Less common side effects are dry mouth, insomnia, blurred vision, rash, pruritis, and drowsiness



Also reported: parasthesia, vertigo, alopecia, gynaecomastia, impotence, stomatitis, encephalopathy in severe liver disease, hyponatraemia, reversible agitation, confusion and hallucinations in the severely ill. These side effects are more likely if you take an overdose of Omeprazole.



Rare or very rare side effects are liver dysfunction, peripheral oedema, allergic reactions, photosensitivity, fever, sweating, depression, myalgia, arthralgia, skin eruptions, interstitial nephritis and blood disorders.



If taken with antibiotics, the latter may cause a severe allergic reaction in some individuals (anaphylactic shock). The symptoms of this are difficulty in breathing, increased heart rate, swelling of the tongue and face, panic. If you experience these symptoms seeks medical help immediately



Precautions



Omeprazole should not be used in individuals who are pregnant (may cause foetal defects) or breast feeding without first consulting a doctor.



Do not use if you are suffering from acute hepatic failure.



Not recommended for children.



Omeprazole may decrease the efficacy of ketonazole and atazanavir.



Do not take Omeprazole if you are also taking Clarithromycin with cisapride, primozide, or terfenadine or astemizole.



If taken with antibiotics, the latter may cause a severe allergic reaction in some individuals (anaphylactic shock). The symptoms of this are difficulty in breathing, increased heart rate, swelling of the tongue and face, panic. If you experience these symptoms seeks medical help immediately.





How does it work



Omeprazole is a proton-pump inhibitor which blocks the hydrogen-potassium adenosine triphosphatase enzyme system which acts as a proton pump for gastric parietal cells. It thus inhibits the secretion of gastric juices. Its effects are apparent approximately one hour after administration.



More information



Omeprazole is metabolised in the liver. Approximately 90% is excreted in the urine, and the rest is excreted via the faeces.

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