GENERIC NAME— Omeprazole
DRUG CLASS— Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI)
BRAND NAME— Losec, Prilosec, Zegerid
What Is Omeprazole?
Omeprazole is a medication used to reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach. It is used to treat the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other symptoms caused by excess stomach acid.
Omeprazole is a proton—pump inhibitor (PPI) and it is also used to treat peptic ulcer disease and Zollinger–Ellison syndrome. It can be taken by mouth or by injection into a vein. [Trusted Source 1]
Omeprazole was patented in 1978, and approved for medical use in 1988. It is available as a generic medication. [Trusted Source 1]
Interactions:
Tell your doctor or health care provider about all your current medicines. Many drugs can interact with Omeprazole, especially [Trusted Source 2] [Trusted Source 3] —
- Clopidogrel
- Cilostazol
- Methotrexate
- St. John’s wort
- Antibiotics such as rifampin, amoxicillin, clarithromycin
Keep a list of all the products and medicines you use and share it with your doctor. Do not stop, start or change the dose of any medicine without the approval of your doctor.
Precautions:
Before taking Omeprazole, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it or if you have a history of any other allergy.
Stop taking Omeprazole if you have a medication to treat HIV such as complera, edurant, odefsey or juluca.
Ask your doctor if it is safe to use Omeprazole if you have other medical conditions, especially [Trusted Source 2] [Trusted Source 3] —
- Liver disease
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Frequent chest pain
- Heartburn with wheezing
- Trouble or pain with swallowing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Osteoporosis or bone loss
- Bloody or black stools
- Low levels of magnesium in the blood
It is not safe to use during pregnancy. Ask you doctor first if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor if you are breast—feeding.
What Are The Side Effects Of Omeprazole?
Common side effects may include [Trusted Source 2] [Trusted Source 3] —
- Gas
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Headaches
Stop using medication and call your doctor if you have [Trusted Source 2] [Trusted Source 3] —
- Severe Stomach pain
- Seizures
- Diarrhea that is watery or bloody
- Unusual pain in thigh, hip, wrist, or back
- Kidney problems — blood in your urine, little or no urination, swelling, rapid weight gain
- Low magnesium levels — irregular heartbeats, dizziness, feeling jittery, muscle spasms, muscle cramps, cough or choking feeling
- Worsening symptoms of lupus — joint pain, and a skin rash on the arms or cheeks that worsens in sunlight
Long term use of this medication may cause to develop stomach growths called fundic gland polyps.
It may also cause vitamin B12 deficiency, if you use Omeprazole for more than 3 years.
What Happens If I Miss A Dose Of Omeprazole?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost the time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.
What Happens If I Take An Overdose?
Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1—800—222—1222.