What is Omeprazole? How to use? What are side effects: Omeprazole 20 mg capsule – Omeprazole 40 mg capsule

Omeprazole is a kind of medicine which is available as Omeprazole 20 mg capsule or Omeprazole 40 mg capsule.

This medicine reduces the amount of acid in your stomach. Omeprazole is widely used to treat indigestion, heartburn and acid reflux.

It’s also used to prevent and treat stomach ulcers.

What is Omeprazole? How it works?

Omeprazole belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors.

1. Omeprazole is used to treat certain stomach and esophagus problems such as acid reflux and ulcers.
2. It works by decreasing the amount of acid our stomach makes.
3. It relieves symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and cough.
4. Omeprazole helps heal acid damage to the stomach and esophagus. It helps prevent ulcers, and may help prevent cancer of the esophagus.
5. It may take 1 to 4 days to have full effect. So, these products do not relieve heartburn right away. Even it may take up to 4 weeks for Omeprazole to work fully.

If your doctor has prescribed this medication for you, please read the Patient Information Leaflet if available before you start taking it and each time you get a refill.

How to use omeprazole oral?

Take this medication by mouth as directed, usually once daily before a meal. The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

In children, the dosage is also based on weight. Use the medication according to directives from your doctor or pharmacist Please do not increase your dose or take this drug more often than directed. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Side effects

Once your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he/she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this product do not have serious side effects.

• Headache
• Abdominal pain

If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

You should tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects including:

• Symptoms of a low magnesium blood level (such as muscle spasms, irregular heartbeat, seizures)
• Signs of lupus (such as rash on nose and cheeks, new or worsening joint pain).

This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. 

Tell your doctor right away if you develop:

• Diarrhea that doesn’t stop
• Abdominal or stomach pain/cramping
• Blood/mucus in your stool

Attention! If you have these symptoms, do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid products because they may make symptoms worse.

This kind of medication which utilizes proton pump inhibitors rarely, have caused vitamin B-12 deficiency. The risk is increased if they are taken every day for a long time (3 years or longer). Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency such as:

• Unusual weakness
• Sore tongue
• Numbness/tingling of the hands/feet

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is possible, but rare However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Rash
• Itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• Severe dizziness
• Trouble breathing
• Signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine)

i: This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects which are not listed here, contact your doctor or pharmacist.