Omeprazole Dosing (Cont.)

 
Omeprazole Dose for Gastric Ulcers
The recommended omeprazole dose for stomach ulcers (gastric ulcers) is omeprazole 40 mg once daily for four to eight weeks.
 
Omeprazole Dosage for GERD and Erosive Esophagitis
The recommended omeprazole dose for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is omeprazole 20 mg once daily for up to four weeks. For people with GERD and erosive esophagitis, the recommended dose is omeprazole 20 mg for four to eight weeks. Omeprazole can be continued if needed to prevent erosive esophagitis from returning.
 
Omeprazole Dose for Pathological Hypersecretory Conditions
People with pathological hypersecretory conditions (such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome) usually require higher omeprazole dosages. The recommended dose is omeprazole 60 mg once daily, although some people may need even higher doses. Doses of omeprazole larger than 80 mg should be split up into two or three smaller doses per day.
 
Omeprazole Dose for Children
The recommended dosage of omeprazole for children depends upon the weight of the child. For children weighing less than 20 kg (or 44 pounds), the recommended dose is omeprazole 10 mg once daily. For children weighing 44 pounds or more, the recommended dose is omeprazole 20 mg once daily.
 

Non-Prescription Omeprazole Dosing

The recommended dose of non-prescription omeprazole magnesium (Prilosec OTC®) for frequent heartburn is 20 mg once daily for up to fourteen days every four months. It is not recommended to take non-prescription omeprazole long-term without talking with your healthcare provider first, in order to rule out more serious conditions.
 

General Omeprazole Dosing Information

Some considerations for people taking omeprazole include the following:
 
  • Omeprazole comes in capsule form and is taken by mouth once or twice a day. Non-prescription omeprazole comes in tablet form.
     
  • Omeprazole is best taken on an empty stomach, half an hour before a meal.
     
  • Omeprazole capsules should not be chewed or crushed, as they contain tiny granules with a special coating that prevents stomach acid from destroying the medication. Non-prescription omeprazole tablets should not be cut, crushed, or chewed.
     
  • For people who have difficulty swallowing capsules, Omeprazole capsules (but not tablets) can be opened and the contents sprinkled onto a spoonful of applesauce. The applesauce should not be hot and should be swallowed (without chewing) immediately.
     
  • Omeprazole should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain an even level of the medication in your blood.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Omeprazole will not work if you stop taking it.
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to omeprazole or your omeprazole dosage, talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not stop taking the drug without discussing it with your healthcare provider.

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;