It is available by prescription only and comes in capsule form, with strengths ranging from 10 mg to 40 mg. Omeprazole oral capsules are typically taken once a twice a day. If needed (for people who have trouble swallowing capsules whole), the capsules can be opened and the contents sprinkled onto a spoonful of applesauce.
The medication is a type of proton pump inhibitor that works by binding to the tiny pumps in the stomach that produce acid, to decrease acid production. While most people tolerate omeprazole well, potential side effects include abdominal pain, upper respiratory infections, and hair loss.
(Click Omeprazole for information on when and how to take omeprazole oral capsules, to learn about the effects of the medicine, and to find out what other side effects may occur with this drug.)
