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.

Dosage Information

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.

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

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.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects may include:

Common Symptoms

Headache
Diarrhea
Mild to moderate abdominal pain or discomfort
Colic

Less Common or 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.

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to omeprazole before starting therapy

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