Uses of Omeprazole

Omeprazole is used in the treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. It is also used to treat gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer.

Therapeutic Category

Omeprazole: Proton pump inhibitors

How Omeprazole works

Omeprazole lowers the amount of acid produced in the stomach by irreversibly binding to and inhibiting the hydrogen-potassium ATPase pump that resides on the lining of the digestive tract. This kind of action helps to reduce vomiting, promote healing of damaged stomach tissue in ulcers.

Common side effects of Omeprazole

• Headache
• Diarrhoea, stomach pain, constipation, flatulence
• Nausea, vomiting
• Benign polys in the stomach

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• severe allergic reaction (sudden wheezing, swelling of the lips, tongue, throat or body, skin rash, fainting and difficulty in swallowing)
• Signs of toxic epidermal toxic necrolysis or stevens-johnson syndrome (reddening of the skin with peeling or blisters, also including severe blisters and bleeding in the lips, eyes, mouth, nose and genitals
• Liver problems (yellowing of skin, dark urine and tiredness)

Health Tips for Omeprazole

• Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before a meal
• Avoid eating foods and drinking beverages that trigger or worsen the symptoms. Common triggers include spicy or fatty foods, citrus fruits, caffeine, alcohol and carbonated drinks. Follow well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins
• While taking this medicine, avoid alcohol and smoking, to prevent the irritation of stomach lining and worsen acid reflux symptoms
• Drink enough water throughout the day to help maintain proper digestion and to minimize the risk of constipation
• Tell your doctor if you are taking, have taken, or might take any other medicine, including prescription, non-prescription or any herbal medicine
• Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy or breast feeding