Requires Prescription: Yes

Generics: Omeprazole

Used For: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

How It Works: Omeprazole inhibits gastric acid secretion by irreversibly blocking the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme system in the gastric parietal cells. This action prevents both basal and stimulated acid secretion, regardless of the stimulus.

Usage and Safety:

Dosage: Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for the correct dosage of Omeprazole.

Side Effects:

Common

Central Nervous System: Headache

Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, flatulence

Uncommon:

Central Nervous System: Dizziness, paraesthesia, somnolence, insomnia, vertigo

Hepatic: Increased liver enzymes

Skin: Rash, pruritis, urticaria

Other: Malaise

Rare:

Central Nervous System: Reversible mental confusion, agitation, aggression, depression, hallucinations (especially in severely ill patients)

Endocrine: Gynecomastia

Drug Interactions: May interact with:

Ketoconazole, Itraconazole

Diazepam

Citalopram, Imipramine, Clomipramine

Phenytoin

Atazanavir, Digoxin, Clopidogrel

Posaconazole, Erlotinib, Saquinavir

Tacrolimus

Methotrexate

Clarithromycin

CYP2C19 or CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers (e.g., rifampicin, St. John’s Wort)

Indications:

Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Erosive reflux esophagitis

Long-term management to prevent relapse in healed esophagitis

Symptomatic treatment of GERD

When Not to Use: Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation or to substituted benzimidazoles. Should not be used with nelfinavir.

Precautions:

Precaution: Long-term use of omeprazole may reduce vitamin B12 absorption due to decreased stomach acid. Monitor vitamin B12 levels in patients with risk factors for deficiency.

Warnings:

Gastric Ulcer: When treating suspected gastric ulcers, rule out malignancy, as treatment might relieve symptoms and delay diagnosis.

Fracture Risk: Long-term use, especially at high doses, may modestly increase the risk of hip, wrist, and spine fractures, particularly in the elderly or those with other risk factors.

Hepatic Function: Consider dose reduction in patients with impaired hepatic function, as omeprazole’s bioavailability and half-life may be increased.

Additional Information:

Pregnancy Category: Consult your physician before use if pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Storage: Store at room temperature, away from direct light and heat.