Omeprazole

Omeprazole is an acid reflux treatment that eases symptoms like heartburn and indigestion. Taken daily, it prevents stomach acid from traveling up the oesophagus, even after eating. It belongs to a group of medicines known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

You can order 10 mg and 20 mg mg Omeprazole gastro-resistant (delayed-release) capsules from 121doc to treat symptoms of acid reflux or GORD (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease).

Is Lansoprazole the same as Omeprazole?

Lansoprazole and Omeprazole are both proton pump inhibitors used to treat acid reflux, but they differ in some key ways. Most notably, they contain different active ingredients. This means if one doesn’t work well for your symptoms the other one might, and being allergic to one doesn’t mean you’re allergic to the other. For these reasons, one treatment may be more suitable for you.

Other ways they differ include manufacturer, packaging, and cost. Take all of these differences into account when deciding which acid reflux treatment is right for you.

Omeprazole is most commonly prescribed as a treatment for acid reflux and heartburn, but its uses don’t end there. Omeprazole is also used for:

• gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
• ulcers in the upper stomach (gastric ulcer) or intestine (duodenal ulcer)
• ulcers infected with bacteria called ‘Helicobacter pylori’
• ulcers caused by medicines called NSAIDs (e.g. Ibuprofen)
• too much stomach acid caused by a growth in the pancreas (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)

At 121doc, we prescribe Omeprazole specifically for acid reflux.

Omeprazole works by blocking the pumps in the stomach (proton pumps) from producing acid. With less stomach acid, less can travel up the food pipe, causing a reduction of symptoms of acid reflux like heartburn and indigestion.

Proton pump inhibitors like Omeprazole are the most commonly prescribed treatment for acid reflux that cannot be treated with antacids alone.

Omeprazole is highly effective in treating symptoms of acid reflux. In one study, 96.4% of patients treated with Omeprazole remained symptom free after 42 weeks of maintenance therapy, showing its usefulness in long-term acid reflux treatment.

Omeprazole starts reducing stomach acid quickly, but it typically takes 2-3 days before you begin to notice some relief in symptoms. Full symptom relief should be felt after 4 weeks or so of consistent treatment with Omeprazole. Only take Omeprazole for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for.

To be prescribed Omeprazole from 121doc, you must be over 18 years old and have been diagnosed with acid reflux.

Do not take Omeprazole if you are:

• allergic to omeprazole or any other ingredient in this medicine
• allergic to medicines containing other proton pump inhibitors
• taking a medicine containing nelfinavir (used for HIV)

Tell your doctor about any health condition you have to ensure safe prescribing, even those not mentioned here.

It’s best to take Omeprazole capsules 1 hour before eating, as this ensures the medicine has a chance to work before the food you eat triggers an increase in stomach acid. It is recommended you take it in the morning before breakfast, giving you symptom control throughout the day, although you can take it at any time. Just make sure you take it at the same time every day.

If you forget to take a dose on Omeprazole, what you do next depends on how long it has been.

• If there is over 12 hours until your next scheduled dose: take the missed one straight away, and your next one at the usual time.
• If it is within 12 hours of your next dose: skip the missed dose and take your next one at the usual time.

Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Taking Omeprazole for acid reflux can cause side effects, although most are mild and not everyone will experience them.

The most common Omeprazole side effects include:

• headache
• diarrhoea
• stomach pain
• constipation
• nausea or vomiting
• benign polyps (growths) in the stomach

This is not an exhaustive list. For a full list of Omeprazole’s side effects, consult the patient information leaflet.

Yes, Omeprazole can cause constipation in some people. It is listed as a common side effect, affecting up to 1 in 10 people who take the acid reflux medication. It does this because it can slow down digestion and affect gut bacteria.

You can manage constipation as a result of Omeprazole use by drinking plenty of water, eating a high-fibre diet, and getting regular exercise.

Omeprazole can cause weight gain, but this is exceedingly rare, especially with short-term use. One study has found a link between Omeprazole use and weight gain, but further research is needed before definitive claims can be made. As it stands, weight gain is not listed as a side effect, and any changes in weight are likely a result of changes in diet once symptoms are resolved.

It’s typically safe to take Omeprazole for up to a year without any problems. If you need to take it for longer than this, it’s usually fine to do so, but will need to be done under a doctor’s supervision.

Taking a proton pump inhibitor like Omeprazole long-term (over a year) can slightly increase your risk of fracture in the wrist, hip or spine. It can also affect the way your body absorbs vitamin B12, meaning you may need to take some alongside treatment. Tell your doctor if you notice tiredness, pins and needles, a sore or red tongue, muscle weakness, or disturbed vision.

Yes, 40 mg Omeprazole is a relatively high dose, and is usually prescribed for stubborn cases of acid reflux where 10 mg or 20 mg is not enough. For most people, the recommended dose is 10 mg or 20 mg once per day.

It is typically safe to take Omeprazole while pregnant or breastfeeding, but you’ll need to confirm this with your doctor before starting treatment. Evidence from limited research seems to suggest Omeprazole is unlikely to cause pregnancy-related problems, but your doctor will need to balance benefits and risks before prescribing treatment.

It is typically safe to take Gaviscon with Omeprazole, and many do to maximise the effectiveness of treatment and further ease acid reflux symptoms. However, you should only do so if your doctor has told you it is safe, and you must wait at least two hours between doses.

Generally, yes, you can drink alcohol with Omeprazole, but it is not advised. While alcohol shouldn’t cause serious adverse effects with Omeprazole, it can increase the risk and severity of side effects. If you decide to drink alcohol during treatment, do so in moderation.

Yes, you can buy some strengths of Omeprazole from a pharmacist without a doctor’s prescription, but taking it under a doctor’s guidance is still recommended, and higher doses still require a prescription. Safety is our number one priority at 121doc, and our doctors will only approve treatment if you meet the criteria in your online consultation.

A prescription from a trusted healthcare provider like 121doc ensures:

• safety during treatment
• effective results
• monitoring of side effects

To see if you’re eligible for treatment, all you have to do is complete a short online consultation. If approved by our medical team, your treatment will be delivered direct to your door in discreet packaging.