Omeprazole (
Prilosec®) is a prescription medication used to treat several conditions related to the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. It is part of a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
Side Effects of Omeprazole
As with any medicine, side effects are possible. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects include, but are not limited to:
(Click Omeprazole Side Effects to learn about specific side effects of this drug, including some of the more serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider. You can also read about possible side effects by going to:
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking It?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have:
- Liver disease, including liver failure or cirrhosis
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Some of the uses of prescription omeprazole include treating:
- Duodenal ulcers (ulcers in the very first part of the intestine after the stomach).
- Helicobacter pylori infections associated with duodenal ulcers -- it is used in combination with antibiotics to eliminate H. pylori bacteria in the stomach, helping to heal duodenal ulcers.
- Benign (noncancerous) gastric ulcers (or stomach ulcers).
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) -- it helps to treat GERD by relieving heartburn and healing esophagitis (damage to the esophagus).
- Pathological hypersecretory conditions -- it helps to treat these conditions (when too much stomach acid is produced), such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Non-prescription omeprazole is approved to treat frequent heartburn (that occurs at least twice a week).
Omeprazole is part of a group of medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). The stomach contains tiny pumps (called proton pumps) that produce acid. The medication works by binding to these proton pumps, stopping the production of acid. It is very effective at decreasing acid production.
There have been several studies looking at how well this drug treats several conditions.
Ulcers
In one study of omeprazole for duodenal ulcers (upper intestinal ulcers), ulcers were healed in 75 percent of people who took the drug after four weeks of treatment. Only 27 percent of people who were not taking omeprazole had their duodenal ulcer heal within four weeks. Studies have also shown that this medication can prevent duodenal ulcers from returning.
In a studies looking at omeprazole for gastric ulcer (stomach ulcer) treatment, the drug healed the stomach ulcers in up to 82.7 percent of the people within eight weeks; ulcers healed in 48.1 percent of people who were not taking it.
Studies have also shown that taking omeprazole (in combination with certain antibiotics) helps to eliminate H. pylori bacteria and to heal ulcers due to H. pylori.
GERD and Esophagitis
Studies have looked at using this drug for
gastroesophageal reflux disease (
GERD). These studies have shown that up to 56 percent of people had complete relief from their GERD symptoms, compared to 14 percent of people not taking it. These studies also showed that omeprazole helped to heal esophagitis (damage to the esophagus) due to GERD and helped keep erosive esophagitis from returning.
Pathological Hypersecretory Conditions
Omeprazole has been studied in the treatment of several pathological hypersecretory conditions (where too much stomach acid is produced), such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. These studies showed that it is effective at decreasing the production of stomach acid and relieving symptoms.
When and How to Take Omeprazole
Some general considerations for when and how to take this drug include the following:
- Omeprazole comes in capsule form and is taken by mouth once or twice a day. The non-prescription version is available in tablet form.
- It 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. The non-prescription 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.
- Your dosage 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. It will not work if you stop taking it.
Dosing Information for Omeprazole
The dose of omeprazole that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- The medical condition being treated
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may currently be taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your omeprazole dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Should I Be Worried About Drug Interactions?
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much of the medication may have symptoms that can include:
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- A rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating and flushing
- Headaches
- Dry mouth.
How Should Omeprazole Be Stored?
The medication should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Store
omeprazole capsules in an airtight container.
Keep this drug and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your dosage as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Several companies make this drug. Brand-name prescription omeprazole is made by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals and sold as
Prilosec. Non-prescription omeprazole is made by Procter and Gamble and sold as
Prilosec OTC.
Prescription omeprazole capsules are available in the following strengths:
Non-prescription omeprazole is available in one strength -- 20 mg tablets.
Is There a Generic Version Available?
Currently, generic prescription and OTC omeprazole versions are available
(see Generic Prilosec).
