Omeprazole

Omeprazole is a medicine to deal with stomach acid disease . This drug is commonly used in the treatment of gastric ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Helicobacter pylori infection , or Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Omeprazole works by reducing the production of stomach acid. That way, complaints can subside. Reduced production of stomach acid can also help restore damage to the stomach.

Omeprazole trademarks:  Inhipump, Omeprazole, Omeprazole sodium, Ozid, Pumpitor, Prilos, Rocer

What Is Omeprazole

Precautions Before Using Omeprazole

Before using omeprazole, you need to pay attention to the following things:

• Do not use omeprazole if you are allergic to this drug or other proton pump inhibitor drugs, such as esomeprazole, lansoprazole , and pantoprazole. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
• Tell your doctor if you have ever or are suffering from magnesium deficiency ( hypomagnesemia ), respiratory tract  disease, kidney disease, liver disease, osteoporosis , or lupus .
• Tell your doctor if you are taking supplements, herbal products, or drugs, including HIV drugs, such as rilpivirine or nelfinavir.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
• See a doctor immediately if an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose occurs after using omeprazole.

Dosage and Administration of Omeprazole

Omeprazole is only given based on a doctor's recommendation. Here is the general dose of omeprazole based on the patient's condition:

Capsule form

Condition: Stomach acid disease or GERD

• Adults:  20 mg, once daily, for 4–8 weeks. The maintenance dose is 10 mg or can be increased to 20-40 mg per day depending on the patient's condition.
• Children aged ≥1 year weighing 10–20 kg:  10 mg, once daily, for 4–8 weeks.
• Children aged ≥2 years weighing >20 kg: 20 mg, once daily, for 4–8 weeks.

Condition: Stomach ulcer or duodenal ulcer

• Adults: 20 mg, once daily. Treatment was carried out for 4 weeks for duodenal ulcers and for 8 weeks for ulcers due to the use of NSAIDs and gastric ulcers. Maintenance dose 10–20 mg, once daily. The dose can be increased up to 40 mg, depending on the patient's response to treatment.

Condition: Helicobacter pylori infection 

• Adults : 20 mg, combined with  clarithromycin  and  amoxicillin or metronidazole, 2 times a day for 1 week.
• Children aged >4 years, body weight 31-40 kg: 20 mg, 2 times a day combined with amoxicillin and clarithromycin with a treatment duration of 1 week.

• Children aged >4 years, body weight 15-30 kg: 10 mg, 2 times a day combined with amoxicillin and clarithromycin with a treatment duration of 1 week.

Condition: Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

• Adults: Initial dose 60 mg per day. Maintenance dose 20–120 mg per day. Doses of more than 80 mg are given in 2 divided doses.

Injectable form

Conditions: H. pylori infection, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer or GERD,

• Adult: 40 mg, once a day given by infusion for 20-30 minutes, until the administration of the medicine in the form of drink is possible.

Condition: Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

Adults: 60 mg, once a day given by infusion over 20–30 minutes. The extended dose will be adjusted according to the patient's response. Doses of more than 60 mg are given in 2 divided doses.

How to use Omeprazole Correctly

Follow the doctor 's advice and read the information on the medicine packaging label before using omeprazole. Do not reduce or increase the dose without consulting a doctor first.

Omeprazole injection will be given directly by a doctor or medical staff under the supervision of a doctor. Medicines will be given by injection through blood vessels (intravenous/IV) as recommended by the doctor.

Omeprazole capsules can be taken once a day, before meals in the morning. If you consume omeprazole 2 times a day, then the medicine can be consumed in the morning and afternoon.

Swallow the capsule whole, do not chew or crush the capsule. If you have difficulty swallowing the medicine, consult a doctor.

Keep taking this medicine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting a doctor.

If you forget to take omeprazole capsules, it is recommended to take it immediately when the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it's close, ignore it and don't double the dose.

Store omeprazole in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.

Omeprazole Interactions with Other Drugs

Here are some drug interactions that can occur when omeprazole is used together with other drugs:

• Decreased rate and effectiveness of nelfinavir, atazanavir, rilpivirine, itraconazole, ketoconazole , or erlotinib
• Increased risk of hypomagnesemia if used with diuretic drugs
• Increased levels of tacrolimus or methotrexate in the blood
• Increased rate and effectiveness of digoxin
• Decreased blood thinning effect of clopidogrel
• Increased rate and effect of alprazolam , so the patient is at risk of experiencing breathing problems and very sleepy

Side Effects and Dangers of Omeprazole

Some of the side effects that can occur after using omeprazole are:

• Headache
• Bloated stomach
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

Consult a doctor if the above side effects do not subside immediately or become more severe. You need to see a doctor immediately if you experience a drug allergic reaction or more serious side effects, such as:

• Abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, or bloody stools , accompanied by fever
• Unusual pain in the wrist, thigh, hip, or back
• Kidney disorders that can be marked by certain symptoms, such as infrequent urination, very little urine, or bloody urine
• Low levels of magnesium in the blood marked by certain symptoms, such as irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps, or seizures
• Worsening symptoms of lupus that can be marked by the appearance and worsening of joint pain or the appearance of a skin rash on the cheek or arm
• Vitamin B12 deficiency, which is characterized by unusual tiredness, numbness, or tingling in the hands or feet.