Omeprazole

Omeprazole is a proton-pump inhibitor most often used (either on its own or in combination with other medications) to treat acid reflux.

It can also treat Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, frequent heartburn and stomach and intestinal ulcers.

This medication generally comes in the form of delayed-release capsules or tablets. However, dissolvable powders and granules are also available. 10mg and 20mg dosages can be purchased online without the need for a GP’s prescription.

Acid reflux causes stomach acid to flow back up the oesophagus, resulting in heartburn and, in more severe cases, tissue damage.

Proton pumps are attached to cells in the stomach lining and produce acid. As a proton pump inhibitor, Omeprazole manages how much acid is released.

In turn, this provides quick relief from the uncomfortable symptoms of heartburn and indigestion. Long-term use can also enable injured digestive tract to heal.

Reducing the amount of acid in your stomach is also effective for the treatment of peptic ulcers.

Your doctor may choose to recommend a course lasting anywhere from a few weeks up to several months depending on your symptoms.

When taking any medication, you should follow the advice laid out by the doctor as well as what is detailed in the patient leaflet.

A summary of how to take Omeprazole in its various forms is below:

• Both gastro-resistant capsules and tablets should be swallowed whole with water, 1 hour before a meal
• Do not crush, break or chew tablets
• For Omeprazole, the recommended dosage is generally one or two 10mg tablets to be taken once daily (preferably 1 hour before breakfast) for approximately two weeks, or until symptoms go away (whichever occurs sooner)
• Please note, your doctor may recommend a higher dosage and frequency of administration
• Reduce to one tablet per day as your symptoms begin to ease
• Should your heartburn or indigestion symptoms persist for longer than two weeks, consult with your doctor before continuing self-treatment
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember (unless it's almost time for the next dose, in which case you should skip the missed dose and take the following as usual)
• Do not take two doses to compensate for a missed dose
• If you believe you have taken too much Omeprazole, or are experiencing side effects that concern you, contact your doctor immediately
• Store this medication in the container provided, tightly sealed and in a location not affected by excess heat, moisture or light
• Always follow the instructions regarding safe disposal and do not flush this medication down the toilet

Omeprazole is currently only available from OnlineClinic as dosages of 10mg and 20mg. These figures denote the amount of the active ingredient, omeprazole sodium.

Omeprazole is also available as 40mg. The 40mg dosage is prescription-only, but your doctor may also prescribe the 10mg option in certain circumstances.

This medication is most likely to take the form of gastro-resistant capsules (hard and regular). However, tablets and powder-form also exist.

Omeprazole is a relatively safe medication, but medicines can affect people differently. For a full list of adverse effects, please consult the patient leaflet.

Side effects which have been commonly reported include:

• headaches
• nausea
• vomiting
• constipation
• flatulence

You should stop treatment and inform your doctor if you find any of the above become long-lasting or severe. You should also stop treatment and tell your doctor if you suffer any serious side effects not listed.

If taken for a protracted period, Omeprazole could also cause your stomach lining to weaken.

Taking Omeprazole at the same time as other proton pump inhibitors (such as Lansoprazole) can increase the risk of bone fractures. This risk tends to increase for people prescribed high doses for more than one year.

You should inform your doctor or pharmacist about all the medications you are currently taking (both prescription and over-the-counter or herbal remedies), as these can affect how Omeprazole works.

You should avoid this medication if you have an allergy to any of its ingredients.

It is also advised to avoid Omeprazole if you have already been prescribed rilpivirine.

Your doctor is likely to recommend you take a reduced dosage if you have/are:

• liver-related health issues
• vitamin D/B12 deficiency
• osteoporosis (or, are at a heightened risk of developing this condition)
• been prescribed a long-term course of corticosteroids
• postmenopausal

Other key risk factors include old age, having a low level of magnesium, or being of Asian descent. If you are aged 50+, speak to your doctor before taking Omeprazole as you may stand a higher chance of developing brittle bones or a severe form of diarrhoea.

Omeprazole is not known to affect your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery. However, avoid such activities if you experience side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness.

You should consult your doctor before taking this medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Before you buy prescription medication from OnlineClinic, we ask that you first complete an online medical consultation. This is completely confidential and is so our doctors can ensure your selected medication is safe for your use. If for any reason it is deemed unsuitable, we may offer alternatives.

We provide free next-day delivery and nominated-day delivery, so you can choose when and where you want your order delivered.