Description
Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor used in the treatment of heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (acid reflux), and peptic ulcer disease. The medicine helps reduce stomach acid by blocking the actions of an enzyme (H+/K+ ATPase or gastric proton pump). This proton pump lies in the stomach wall cells and is responsible for releasing gastric acid secretion. Omeprazole prevents the release of stomach acid and relieves symptoms of food pipe lining inflammation (esophagitis), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or heartburn. Complete the full course of the medicine and do not abruptly stop taking the medicine.
Take the medicine as per the dosage and duration prescribed by the doctor. Do not crush, chew or break the tablets. Some people may experience side effects such as stomach pain, gas formation (flatulence), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache. Avoid using Omeprazole Capsules if you are suffering from St John’s Wort (plant-based antidepressant), rifampin (antibiotic), and methotrexate (anti-cancer and anti-arthritis medicine) due to the severe drug interaction.
Uses of Omeprazole Capsules
Omeprazole is effective in healing erosive esophagitis (inflammation of food pipe), and relieving symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (heartburn), Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and stomach ulcers. The medicine works by irreversibly blocking the proton pump gate (which secretes stomach acid). Omeprazole Capsules are suitable for all age groups, including special populations like the elderly, pregnant mothers, and kidney and liver disease patients. Some common indications of Omeprazole Capsules are mentioned below:
- Stomach ulcers
- Acid reflux (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease – GERD)
- Hyperacidity
- Zollinger Ellison syndrome
Side Effects of Omeprazole Capsules
There are mild to moderate side effects of Omeprazole Capsules that do not last for a long time. The side effects are individualistic in nature as they depend on the health condition and response to the treatment. If your side effects worsen with time or persist, immediately consult your doctor. The range of side effects observed on using the Omeprazole Capsules are mentioned below:
- Diarrhea
- Flatulence
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
Drug Interactions
Drugs may interact with each other if they are taken together. The drugs also have a tendency to interact with certain food items and health conditions. Do not take Omeprazole Capsules with the following mentioned drugs:
- blood thinner (clopidogrel, warfarin)
- antifungal (ketoconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole)
- anti-HIV drug (atazanavir, nelfinavir)
- iron supplements, antibiotics (ampicillin, rifampicin), heart medicine (digoxin)
- anti-cancer drug (methotrexate)
Interaction with Disease
- C. difficile-induced colitis
- liver disease
- bone fractures
- low Vitamin B12 (anemia)
- low magnesium (hypomagnesemia)
Precautions and Warnings
1. Avoid consuming alcohol with the Omeprazole Capsules as they may interact with it and cause unpleasant health effects.
2. Do not consume Omeprazole Capsules if you are pregnant or breastfeeding your child.
3. Inform your doctor if you get watery diarrhea, fever, or stomach pain that does not go away.
4. Do not indulge in the overdosage of Omeprazole Capsules as it may cause weak bones and a deficiency of minerals such as magnesium.
5. Store the capsules in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight.
6. Keep the medicine out of reach of children and pets. Properly dispose of expired and discarded medicines.
